Piitwewetam: Making is Medicine

Piitwewetam: Making is Medicine

A touring exhibition honoring the life of Piitwewetam (Rolling Thunder) - curated by Leanna and Jean Marshall & organized by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery

This commemorative art exhibition – curated by Leanna and Jean Marshall – presents artwork by the Gustafson family: Shannon, Ryan, Justine, and Jade. The exhibition honors their son and brother, Piitwewetam (Rolling Thunder), also known as the late Jesse Gustafson who traveled to the spirit world after a car accident in 2015.

Piitwewetam: Making is Medicine is an offering from the Gustafson family to each of us. As an Anishnaabe family the act of giving is an integral part of their life. Gifts are offered out of kindness, out of love. To give is to simply offer without the expectation of receiving something in return. When we give, we are enacting a sacred law that acknowledges life. With Anishnaabe tradition, a part of the grief ceremony is gifting. This beautiful exhibition is acknowledging all of the good life, including relationships, teachings, singing, and dancing that Jesse experienced when he was here on Earth. Each piece in this exhibition will be gifted to friends and family. These gifts come from kindness, from a deep love that honors Piitwewetam.

Co-Curated by Jean and Leanna Marshall. Organized and circulated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery with support from the Ontario Arts Council.

Virtual Artist Talk June 7th
Join us Wednesday, June 7th at 6pm for the closing of "Piitwewetam: Making is Medicine" as we host a Virtual Curator's Talk.
Curators Jean and Leanna Marshall will be joined by artist Shannon Gustafson for a discussion about the exhibition, love, grief and the act of giving.
Register Here


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