Sonny MacDonald

Artist Bio: 

We regret to advise readers that Sonny has passed away. His profile remains in his memory.

 

Sonny MacDonald is a Chipewyan Dene from Fort Chipewyan who makes his home in Fort Smith.  He is an inaugural recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories, former Council Member of Salt River First Nation, NWT Aboriginal Representative to the Mackenzie River Basin Board, and is past Chairman of the NWT Arts Council, and past Co-Chairperson of the NWT Arts Strategy Advisory Panel.

For many years, Mr. MacDonald represented the NWT Arts Council at the Canadian Public Arts Funders Network, and has regularly participated in art shows and festivals, exhibiting and selling his work across Canada, USA and overseas.

Sonny is a self-taught artist who began carving when he was just seven years old, and is well-known throughout the NWT, Canada and internationally for his works in wood, bone, antler, horn, ivory, stone, and ice and snow. His material is from the land and so are the subjects for his carvings.

Mr. MacDonald is passionate about development of young artists, and he is a tireless advocate for community-based arts and cultural activities and promotion, and believes that there is good reason for optimism about increased opportunities for the health and growth of arts and culture here in the north.

Last Updated: May 29, 2023
Region: 
South Slave
Community: 
Fort Smith

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