Take part in collaborative artwork by Indigenous artist at EarthFest London

An annual celebration of environmental action in London will include a unique opportunity to take part in a participatory art project by London-based Mi’kmaq Artist Mikaila Stevens.

“For EarthFest this year, we’re doing a collaborative art project and community art,” explained Stevens as she outlined a large turtle shell design, leaving the centre of each segment blank.

“I’m hoping that people can fill in the blanks with different representational images and things that speak to them,” she added.

Stevens is a prominent contemporary beadwork artist, graphic designer, printmaker, and storyteller.

She chose a turtle shell shape because of its significance to EarthFest and local First Nations, “In different communities, there’s stories of the turtle’s back being the framework of our earth and our land. We call it Turtle Island.”

Stevens said the pattern on the shell has long been used as a way to track the days and seasons, “Specifically the lunar calendar, the turtle’s back is very much honoring the people of this area. The one I’ve chosen to go with is because of where we are - it is Anishinaabek.”

EarthFest London runs from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Citi Plaza and the Central Library.

Visitors can also experience Salthaven Wildlife Ambassadors, Eagle Flight First Nations Singers, and a special reading of “The Lorax.”

Over 100 vendors and exhibits will be part in the free event.