SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Aurora Arts Society held its annual Art Expo at the Multiplex this past weekend. Several new society members were among those who displayed their work at the two day event.

Aidan Cartwright exhibited several oil paintings and various video animations he created while studying at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Several of his paintings at the Expo were accompanied by short animations demonstrating the dynamic and entertaining painting process. - Daron Letts/NNSL photo

It was Aidan Cartwright's first time showing his paintings and videos at a society function. He returned to Yellowknife last spring after studying for several years at the Alberta College of Art and Design, where he majored in media arts and digital technologies.

"We have a great arts community here and I'm glad to be done school and back to in Yellowknife to take part in it," he said. "The Art Expo was really well put together. It was nice being able to talk about art with visitors and other artists."

Acrylic painter and graphic artist Inemesit Graham, who joined the society three months ago, said she enjoyed her first experience at the Expo, as well.

"I liked seeing all the different artists and all the different styles," she said, adding that she made new connections with a couple of gallery owners.

Whitney Jason staffed the table for Yellowknife Glass Recyclers Co-op. Jason got involved in the co-op and joined the society this summer after taking time off after high school to work abroad and travel. She sold several of the glass pieces she created in recent months at the Expo.

Other new members who exhibited work at the show included photographer Claire Fyfe and painters Adele Bisaillon and Jane Hare.

"It was a lot of fun and a huge learning experience getting the opportunity to show others my work and getting to chat and network with the other artists," Hare said. "I've been painting for quite a long time but in the past year I've been trying to take this passion to the next level and discovered all that the Aurora Arts Society has to offer. Because of this experience I feel even more inspired to continue to paint and create. This was a first stepping stone for me."