Art is a window into a culture, a history and a community.

Virgil Sampson is one of the local First Nations artists taking part in the Fourth Annual Invitational First Nations and M茅tis Art Show and Sale.

Sampson makes Native-designed drums of a variety of sizes, along with limited prints and some smaller items. Creativity flows in SampsonB次元官网网址檚 family, and Sampson, in part, learned to make drums from his brother, John.

B次元官网网址淭he drums have always been a big part of our culture for a lot of spiritual reasons B次元官网网址� healing and honouring, different kinds of ceremonies,B次元官网网址� Sampson said. B次元官网网址淎 lot of our people are starting to turn towards artwork. B次元官网网址� ItB次元官网网址檚 an awesome way of practising who you are as a Native person, to exercise what has been passed down from year to year, generation to generation.B次元官网网址�

Sampson also helps by providing guidance for the organizers and recruiting artists for the show, which is held to highlight the best in First Nations art. The event takes place at the Arts Centre at Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth St., in Sidney and is hosted by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula.

Representing all First Nations people designated by the federal government is a mandate for the show. Along with artists from local Coast Salish territories, this yearB次元官网网址檚 show will also feature artisans from the M茅tis, Mohawk, Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibway, Navajo, Inuit and Chickasaw Nations.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 so many artists that are in this area, it changes almost every year,B次元官网网址� Sampson said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a lot of fun.B次元官网网址�

A variety of different mediums will be presented including carving, knitted items, drums, silver pieces, beads, cedar weavings and more.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a really good show,B次元官网网址� Sampson said. B次元官网网址淧eople that are collectors and are semi-serious collectors can come and meet the artists.B次元官网网址�

Through the show, artists are given the chance to share their heritage, history and culture with others through their art, Sampson said. The public is in turn given the opportunity to learn more about First NationB次元官网网址檚 culture B次元官网网址� including everything from the importance of drumming to the use of cedar.

B次元官网网址�(There are many) spiritual meanings that go behind our designs and carving and images,B次元官网网址� Sampson said. B次元官网网址淚t brings a better understanding to other cultures of our culture.B次元官网网址�

Some artists will be working on-site and providing demonstrations for visitors.

The gallery itself is set up to reflect the intent and spirit of the event. There will be music played and stories told to add ambiance.

This yearB次元官网网址檚 show is shorter than in years past. It runs from Friday, Sept. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 21.

The show is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free.