Jessie Oonark

Baker Lake, NU

Retail and production of arts and crafts including silkscreen and embroidery, crafts and clothing. Jessie Oonark (1906-1985) moved in off the land from the Back River area in the mid-1950s. She learned to work in fabric and on paper and produced many appliqué tapestries, drawings, and prints. Her distinctive style using bold, flat areas of colour is evocative of traditional Inuit sewing techniques. Elected as a Member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1975, and named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1984, Jessie Oonark was one of the true pioneers of Inuit art and her works are internationally known.

The Jessie Oonark Centre was named to honour this pioneering artist. The Jessie Oonark Centre opened in 1992 in Baker Lake. This intriguing building offers workspace for local carvers, traditional toolmakers, seamstresses, jewellery makers and printmakers along with micro-leasing opportunities for small local businesses and organizations. Skilled artisans adapt original drawings and paintings to silk screen stencils and produce not only limited edition prints, but also various manufactured items like tee shirts and other clothing, tote-bags, ties, scarves, and fleece clothing. The care and attention to detail in these products highlights the unique beauty of the Inuit culture evoked in the artwork. In addition, the Jessie Oonark Centre offers a wide variety of arts and crafts by local artisans, including carvings, prints, jewellery, clothing and appliquéd tapestries in the unique Baker Lake style. Products from other NDC subsidiary companies are also available.

The Jessie Oonark Center is located in downtown Baker Lake in close proximity to hotels and other retailers. We operate from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and are available for group tours and special appointments during off-hours.

We look forward to serving you at the Jessie Oonark Center.