First Nations Artists

The Jay Bell Redbird Indigenous Arts Pavilion at Artfest Kingston showcases professional and aspiring Indigenous artists. The participating artists share their art, stories, music, creative process, demonstrations, singing and more. This collection is a taste of some of beautiful art we have had at our event. We are adding more artists so please watch for updates.

The Art Pavilion was founded in 2017 by Jay Bell Redbird (1967-2019) who was a leader, outstanding artist, great friend and community visionary. Jay passed away suddenly on Sunday June 9, 2019, a terrible loss for all of us. Jay’s vision and Maada’ookii Collaborative Art and Culture Community Project of teaching and promoting Indigenous artists in art festivals across Canada was just starting to blossom. Artfest, Halina Stoprya (Jay’s loving partner) and the First Nations artists have dedicated the Pavilion to Jay in recognition of his passion, leadership and commitment. It is now called the Jay Bell Redbird Indigenous Arts Pavilion.

Jay Redbird (photo above)

The pavilion will carry on at Artfest under the guidance of Halina, Jay's loving partner.