Aboriginal Art Bottle Program

Aboriginal artist earns unique Olympic spotlight

By Shelley CookSince she was old enough to pick up a paintbrush, Winnipegger Jackie Traverse knew she would be an artist. Her destiny was confirmed Monday when she received national honours for art that will be displayed at the Vancouver Olympics.

The 40-year-old mother of two daughters is the only Manitoban Coca-Cola selected in their Aboriginal Art Bottle Program.

The program will showcase the work of 15 aboriginal artists from across Canada who created art from giant-sized Coca-Cola bottles.

Traverse, who is of Anishinabe descent, said she was inspired to paint her bottle, entitled Nokomis Mikinaak--Mother Turtle, from one of seven sacred aboriginal teachings. Her bottle, which is about two metres tall, will be unveiled at The Forks National Historic Site on Jan. 5.Below:  "Jackie Traverse says the inspiration for her art comes from her life experiences." (David Lipnowski/Winnipeg Free Press)