Making beauty in a pandemic

The Breathe. Project started as a Facebook group by two Métis women, Lisa Shepherd and Nathalie Bertin, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group called on Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to use their beadwork and crafting skills to create a face mask that's not necessarily intended to be wearable.

45 of the masks will be exhibited as artwork and part of the "Breathe. Collection" at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff this October.

Eliza Firth’s 'Delta Rose' mask will be on display as part of the
Breathe. Collection in Banff, starting in October.
(Tony Devlin/Black Fly Studios)

King's daughter, Isabella, wears her art mask.
45 masks will be displayed as part of the collection.
(Submitted by Christina King)

CBC News