Peta Tayara has been selling her artwork since 1999. But after attending a workshop in Salluit this past January, she realized she had been underpricing her work for years.
Peta was one of 18 artists who took part in The Wayfinding Sessions, a three-day artist development program created by Lynn Feasey of Points North Creative Inc. Designed to empower artists both personally and professionally, the workshop welcomed creators of all experience levels.
Feasey co-facilitated the sessions with artist and educator Ulaayu Pilurtuut, who brought her experience as a practicing artist. Ulaayu also translated throughout the workshop, ensuring that every participant could engage fully and feel supported.
The initiative was organized by Lynn Moorhouse and Nancy White of Makivvik, as part of an ongoing effort to uplift and equip Nunavik artists with the tools they need to thrive. Moorhouse said she connected with facilitators while attending the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik last year.
“We wanted to bring back a workshop that gives artists the skills to better understand pricing and how to market their work,” said Moorhouse.
This session in Salluit marked the second in the series, following a similar event in Kuujjuaq last November. Moorhouse noted that future workshops are in the works, including one in September, with locations depending largely on hotel availability, as artists are flown into the host communities.
Lynn Feasey highlighted the unique challenges faced by Northern artists when trying to build a sustainable art practice.
“Many work in isolation, often without adequate space, materials, or opportunities to sell their work,” she said. “There’s also a gap in foundational business knowledge—especially around pricing, which is one of the most common and difficult hurdles. Too often, artists aren’t making enough profit—or any at all.”
Through a mix of presentations, hands-on activities, and role-playing, the workshop helped participants reflect on why they make art and how to align their business approach with their values and goals while still maintaining a sustainable practice.
For Peta, it was her first experience with a workshop like this and she found it incredibly valuable for both new and mid-career artists. In addition to learning how to price her work more accurately, she appreciated the opportunity to meet other artists and see their work. In the future, she hopes to explore more about different media and materials.
Feasey offered one key takeaway for Nunavik artists: “It’s important to always remember why you make your art. It could be for joy, cultural pride, peace, health, or income. Whatever your reason, create and sell your work in a way that honours that—and don’t let anyone tell you what to make.”
