Art For Joys Sake: Panel Discussion
Date: Nov 21
2:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Talk
Join guest curator and host, Jenelle Duval for an engaging conversation with panelists, Jordan Bennett, Samaqani Cocahq, Kayla Stride, and Nelson White.
The featured artists will reflect on their work as part of Duval’s exhibition, Tekweywinen tel weljesultiek (Be with us in our Joy), a uniquely interactive and play-based experience that showcases the works of seven Indigenous artists based in Wabanaki*—inviting you to explore their (and your) individual interpretations of joy.
For generations, Wabanaki artists have thrived and are known to be resilient and strong. Yet, it's not only their endurance that sustains them—laughter, spirit, and humour have been vital to their artmaking.
This exhibition is a celebration of that vibrant spirit, offering a space to uplift each other and collectively embrace the joy inherent in Indigenous culture. What brings joy to your inner child? How can we spark curiosity, invite wonder, and see the world with fresh eyes and an imaginative mind?
*Wabanaki, translated as “People of the First Light” or “Dawnland,” includes five nations: the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki. The region stretches from parts of Newfoundland to the Maritime provinces, Maine, and Quebec.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Pelase reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.
This program is in partnership with First Light in celebration of Spirit Song.
Today's Events & Programs
Have you ever wondered about the connections between creativity and neurodivergence, such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia? From attention to detail to pattern recognition and language originality, neurodivergent artists can display talents that could be considered advantages.
Join us for a moderated panel discussion with Dr. Andreae Callanan and Dr. Kate Lahey, who will talk about how neurodivergent people express creativity in unique, unconventional ways.
Part of the discussion will address some challenges for neurodivergent artists during and following the creative process, such as executive functioning, sleep disturbances, and burnout. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.
Cost: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
About the Panelists:
Andreae Callanan holds a PhD in English from Memorial and serves as co-convener of the Research and Knowledge Exchange on Critical Disability Studies at the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research. Her debut poetry collection, The Debt (Biblioasis, 2021), was shortlisted for the E. J. Pratt Family Poetry Prize and was a runner-up in the Fred Cogswell Award for Excellence in Poetry. Andreae’s creative and critical writing has been published in Riddle Fence, The Walrus, Newfoundland Quarterly, Canadian Notes & Queries, Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, and in Best Canadian Essays 2026. She lives in St. John’s.
Dr. Kate Lahey holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, is the front person of the band Weary, and writes arts criticism. As a musician, writer, scholar, community organizer, and postdoctoral fellow at Memorial’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, her research centers on trauma-informed values such as healing, care, empathy, and social justice.
Join MUN School of Music alumni and current students for an evening of exciting big band jazz showcasing the talent of the School of Music community.
The ensemble will perform a selection of compositions by Maria Schneider, Pat Metheny, Christine Jensen, Chucho Valdés and others.
Cash bar (opens at 6:45 pm) and reception to follow the performance at 9 pm
Tickets: $25 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.