Artist Richard Katalamisit honoured during Creefest

A tribute to honour the work of Mushkegowuk artist Richard Katalamisit of Moose Factory was held during the Creefest Aug. 10-14 in Chapleau Cree First Nation.
“This is the first time that Creefest is going to start honouring artists – past, and present. My father is the first one. I am pretty sure that he would be honoured,” said Angela, his 17-year old daughter and curator of the exhibit.
The showcase featured paintings, a soapstone carving, photographs and a hand drum painting.
“In 1993, he found out he had a terminal illness. My dad passed away on March 4, 2008.”
Angela read, in a soft-spoken voice, a prayer that her dad had written after hearing the news that he was ill. The poem was shared at his funeral.
Angela said Richard started art when he was really young.
“It was mostly his god given talent,” she said.
Expanding on his talent, Richard attended Northern College in Timmins, Ont., in the fine arts program.
He made a successful living to support his family by obtaining contracts with friendship centres and working as a graphic artist for Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre publications.
Richard would visit schools in the region to teach art to students right from kindergarten up to Grade 12.
Occasionally, he would visit inmates in prisons to assist in painting murals and to teach them art.
Richard left behind his wife, Elizabeth and seven children – Shirley, John, Geraldine, Kayli Scott, Sylvia, Angela, and Katie-Lynn.
Two of the children, John and Katie-Lynn, are artistic as well.
“Katie has the best mark in art class. She likes doing surreal art, not like the traditional artwork my dad did,” Angela said. “My dad always encouraged us to be creative and do what we always wanted.”
Richard was an artist all his life, the only employment he ever had.
As the spouse of an artist, Elizabeth enjoyed the life Richard provided for her and the children.
“I loved it. I have a kitchen table with a lot of paint stains on it and some chips from his carvings, but I continue to keep that table,” she said.
Elizabeth believes it was the power of art that helped her husband deal with his illness. “He survived 15 years and it was his art that kept him going, I truly believe. He put that passion in there and it kept his spirit soaring right up until the last day.”
His last painting was of an eagle and was featured at the exhibit.
“I found that drying on my kitchen table when he had gone into the next world.”
Elizabeth would like to continue sharing Richard’s art.
“It is such a great idea for Mushkegowuk and Creefest committee to come up with this showcasing idea. There are so many artists, that I believe, deserve this type of honour.”
She added: “I am sure he is looking down on us honoured that he was the first chosen to be showcased.”