Wally Dion, It’s Just Like you Said it Would be (detail), 2024

Wally Dion: a thousand tiny prayers opens at the School of Art Gallery – Nov 6

The School of Art Gallery presents a thousand tiny prayers, a solo exhibition by Saskatchewan-born artist Wally Dion, whose work explores strength, resilience, and interconnectedness through acts of making.

Wally Dion: a thousand tiny prayers

November 6, 2025 – February 14, 2026
Curated by Blair Fornwald
School of Art Gallery, 255 ARTlab, University of Manitoba
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 6, 5:00–8:00 PM

Dion’s textile-based portraits and star blankets examine the generative and communal power of plaiting, stitching, and assembly—processes that bind individual elements into something stronger and more beautiful than their parts. Drawing on the interwoven nature of communities and ecosystems, Dion’s works also reflect on Indigenous identity, cultural resistance, and solidarity across global struggles for justice and self-determination.

Vibrant, luminous, and intricately detailed, Dion’s quilts and composite portraits merge synthetic fabrics, floral scarves, and translucent papers into layered reflections on care, strength, and connection. His recent works incorporate rose motifs—symbols shared across Indigenous, Ukrainian, and Palestinian communities—as gestures of empathy and unity.

Dion, a member of Yellow Quill First Nation (Saulteaux), has exhibited widely in Canada and the United States. His work is held in the public collections of the Remai Modern, the MacKenzie Art Gallery, the Portland Art Museum, and the Autry Museum of the American West, among others.

Related Events

Quilting Workshops with Wally Dion
November 1–6 | Studio 460 (460 ARTlab)
Drop in throughout the week to design and create patchwork quilt faces using the bright, iridescent fabrics featured in Dion’s work. Artist-led sessions: November 1, 3, and 5. All supplies provided. No experience necessary — just curiosity and creativity.
Register to attend

Artist Talk with Wally Dion
Thursday, November 6 | 12:00–1:30 PM | 468 ARTlab
Join the artist in conversation about his practice, cultural influences, and the ideas behind a thousand tiny prayers.
Also live-streamed on the School of Art Gallery YouTube channel.
ASL interpretation and YouTube closed captioning available.

Wally Dion: a thousand tiny prayers invites viewers to imagine a world strengthened by connection, compassion, and collective care.

School of Art Gallery

255 ARTlab, University of Manitoba
Free admission | All are welcome

Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm or by appointment

School of Art Gallery

Art, Arts and culture, exhibition, School of Art, School of Art Gallery

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