Saturday, November 12, 2022

Red Dress Exhibit wraps up this weekend at the PAC

 I've been absent from this space for a couple of weeks now, since the weather was so nice frankly.  At this time of year you have to grab the sunshine and warmth while you can, so sorry about that!

Just a quick note here about a very important exhibit wrapping up this weekend at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines.  "The Red Dress Exhibit:  If Only These Dresses Could Tell Their Story" continues in the Robertson Theatre at the PAC until tomorrow.  It is just getting underway today until 6 pm and tomorrow from noon to 4 pm.

This is not the first time this exhibit has been at the PAC.  It first premiered during the annual Celebration of Nations in early September to great acclaim.  Due to that overwhelming response the PAC decided a remount was in order.

The Red Dress Exhibit is both timely and thought-provoking.  It features the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls as well as 2Spirit MMIWG2S from Indigenous Peoples in Niagara and Western New York whose loved ones were victims of these horrendous crimes.

In all, there are 13 dresses in the exhibit based on 13 grandmother moons, with each red dress as unique as the MMIWG2S it represents.  There are ribbons sewn on the dresses detailing each individual story.

The exhibit's curator and creator, Michele-Elise Burnett, outlines in the media release the exhibit is intended both to increase awareness of the racial crimes targeting Indigenous women and girls and remember the lost lives of the victims, as well as create a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment for Indigenous Peoples.  In addition, it is intended to collectively offer the 2Spirit MMIWG2S our love and gratitude.

The PAC has advised anyone planning to visit the exhibit is asked to bring their earbuds so they can listen to the audio commentary on their cellphones while walking through the exhibit.  Each suspended red dress will have an audio documentary as part of the display in order to learn more.

The content is, as you can imagine, rather sensitive, so it is advised those interested in attending are aware of the sensitive nature of the exhibit beforehand.

Again, The Red Dress Exhibit is open to the public today until 6 pm and tomorrow from noon to 4 pm.

Enjoy your weekend!

November 12th, 2022.

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