Cape Dorset 2015 print collection draws crowd in Iqaluit

Dozens of art-goers vied for the chance to pick up one of 31 prints at the 56th annual Cape Dorset Print Collection on Saturday at theNunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit.

A lottery washeld as about 80 people filled the museum, hoping to get their hands on some of the most coveted Inuit art in the yearly showcase. The classic and contemporary works were created by artists ranging in age from 27 to 80.

The style and subject matter vary in each print, a sign of the strength of the graphic work from Cape Dorset, saidthe museum's manager and curator.

"Some are very boldand some are whimsical; some are humorous," said Gyu Oh, who was running her first print sale as head of the museum.

She doesn't have a favourite.

"I like all of them they all have their strengths and the print-makers did a superb job making them. It all stands out," she said.

There are 50 versions of each print, spread across art galleries around Canada, the United States and Europe.

Two copies of the printseditions number four and nine were made available for sale in Iqaluit.

"You can't go wrong,"said Heather Daley, who was fortunate enough to pick up one of the prints. "We have the most beautiful art, beautiful artists inNunavut. And this is already a really exciting day to be here for the opening."

One of the copies of each print will be on display in the museum until Dec. 6.