Told from historical and contemporary perspectives, and through the story of beads, guest curator Naomi Smith shares the ways of the First Nations people of the Woodlands and Northeastern regions of Ontario. No Word for Art features Indigenous beadworks as creative expressions of survival, crafted by historical artists. The exhibition also includes contemporary beadworks that reflect traditional beading techniques and imagery.

“Honouring our traditions is my voice within and beyond my culture and community. Traditionally, there is no word for ‘art’ in Native languages, yet artistry and visual expression are critical in defining who we are as First Nations people. It is this path I wish to exemplify through my teachings and my work.”
— Naomi Smith