Visit the lower level of Central Library to view the talents of local artists.

Woodland Style with Tsista Kennedy

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 pm, with a 15-minute artist talk at 1:30 pm

Tsista Kennedy is a 17-year-old artist from Beausoleil First Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames. His artwork is a variation of Woodland Style using acrylic paint markers on canvas, and India ink on paper. He has always had a deep interest in artwork, but didn't adopt the Woodland Style until the age of thirteen.

Tsista's artistic career began at the age of fourteen when he sold a snapping turtle drawing, which was among the first few woodland style drawings he created. He strongly believes that the land gifts him with the inspiration and knowledge that fuels his creativity for creating artwork.

Early this year, Tsista was commissioned to hand-paint drums for winners of the Juno Awards.

At just 17 years old, Tsista (Tehatsistahawai) Kennedy has made his mark not only as an Indigenous artist, but by spreading the word among youth about his culture, and advocating leadership. As Canada’s first indigenous school board trustee (Thames Valley District School Board), Tsista has visited schools in Kitchener, London, Toronto and others, speaking to students about the indigenous culture, and inspiring them to reach their potential.

See more of Tsista's artwork

Interested in displaying your artwork at the library?

See the Artist Program page for more information about the selection process and exhibit space.