GORE BAY - A new book, Portraits of Spirit Island, penned by Gore Bay author Margo Little, provides an intimate glimpse into the formative years and the evolution of the unique Manitoulin School of Art. "The book focusses on 18 Manitoulin Island Aboriginal artists that have gained international acclaim, but sometimes are unappreciated in their own backyard," stated Ms. Little. Ms. Little points out, in candid conversations, prominent First Nations artists reveal the experiences that have shaped their lives and their artwork. As the artists share stories about their family and cultural traditions, readers gain insight into their sources of inspiration. In the process, the artists take us on a vicarious tour of Manitoulin art studios and galleries. Portraits of Spirit Island offers a rare opportunity for readers to deepen their understanding of the visual imagery, the artistic techniques and the dynamic personalities that characterize the Manitoulin School of Art.

This book traces the history of Canada's renowned Manitoulin School of artists and examines their influence on an up and coming generation of aboriginal artists. Through studio/gallery tours, personal interviews and historical research, the author reveals the formative experiences, sources of inspiration and cultural beliefs of this highly regarded group of innovators. This work is doubly significant since it coincides with a recent retrospective of the Queen of Woodland Art, Daphne Odjig, and an exhibition of her works at the National Gallery of Canada in 2008. In addition, the works of the late Carl Beam will be on display in Ottawa in 2010. Ms. Little points out the purpose of this publication is to shine a spotlight on some of Canada's national treasures hidden away on Spirit Island. Many of today's Aboriginal artists were tutored by the "legend painters" but over the past four decades they have emerged as dynamic individuals with their own unique styles. Through this collection, the public will recognize and appreciate that the Manitoulin School of Art has indeed come of age.

Throughout the book, the author explores some of the impediments facing Aboriginal artists in their struggle for equality in the Canadian art establishment. Since Native Culture has been voted one of the seven wonders of Manitoulin in recent visitor surveys, these portraits help to satisfy the growing interest in this unique school of art, nationally and internationally, said Ms. Little. In Portraits of Spirit island, Canadians are introduced to undiscovered First Nations artists working in relative obscurity. They will undoubtedly experience a renewed appreciation for Manitoulin artists who are revered overseas but little known or recognized on home soil.

Ms. Little was born and raised on Manitoulin Island. She works as a journalist, photographer, educator and special event planner. Her credentials include a BA in English and French Literature as well as a Masters in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Laurentian University. Her non-fiction publications include The Morale Dilemma of High Stakes Gambling in Native Communities and The Other Woman Was Lady Luck: True Stories form Monte Carlo to Casino Windsor.

She has written extensively on First Nations social, political and cultural issues in a variety of Canadian periodicals. In addition, her short story writing skills have been showcased in anthologies of short fiction such as Meg's Solo and Outcrops. Mr. Little is the founder of the Manitoulin Writers Retreat and the Manitoulin Writers Circle.

To purchase copies of Portraits of Spirit Island send a cheque or money order ($25.00 per copy) to Margo Little, Box 79, Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, P0P 1H0. Phone:705-282-1714, Fax 705-282- 1717 or visit www.margolittle.com