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(H)artful
Greetings!

These whack ass times are giving me emotional whiplash! 

On one hand, I’m kind of happy and excited about the news that the world reopening again. I’m stoked thinking about all the friends and family I want to see throughout Canada. Then on the other hand, it’s hard to put into words how I feel at the discovery of unmarked graves of Indigenous children that went to schools to learn, not to be murdered. I’m so filled with hope because of the outpouring of support by the non Indigenous community that maybe this time, mainstream Canada will finally “get it”. 

I hope they’re beginning to understand the systemic issues that Indigenous people have been surviving through as a result of the hate schools they were forced to attend. I’m horrified how a couple men in a church organization can think that they’re now the victims, claiming that they’re being persecuted against, and want to talk about the “good” the schools did instead of being accountable for the evil. 

I’m glad one of those men was removed from his church position, but upset that the other still gets to talk from a platform… and sad that there will be people that believe him. 

I could go on, and you probably have a few things of your own that are blowing your mind these days too. For me, I do my best to recognize how those events in the news make me feel and work through them through the creative process. When you sit and create for an hour or two, (which can be painting, drawing, playing an instrument, sewing, beading etc), difficult emotions or bitter old resentments are bound to come to mind. In some situations I was the one who was slighted, and sometimes there are moments that I know I could have handled better. It’s hard to figure out the exact cause of conflict in others, but you can for sure figure it out in yourself. 

Taking in horrible news stories, as we have been the last while is bound to take a toll on anyone, not just Indigenous people. The work I’m trying to do on myself is remembering not to project the negativity that I’m taking in from the world, and putting that onto other people unknowingly. It’s easier said than done, but it’s not impossible… be responsible for the energy you bring into a room. I heard that somewhere and it’s stuck in my mind and I love when it pops back into my head.  

At the core, I remain positive though. I’m definitely grateful for a job that allows me to “get out” whatever negative emotion I’m feeling through creating art. I’m grateful for all of you as well, taking the time to read this and I hope some of it resonates a little. 

Also, I know a bunch of folks are wondering about the Orange Shirts I designed last year and where to get them. Last year we sold about 5,000 in a 4 month period through TSC.ca - this year we sold what we had left, approximately 3,000, in a couple of hours! The Orange Shirt campaign has actually exhausted the North American supply of orange shirts, which makes me so proud because that's 10’s of thousands of people out there repping, supporting, learning  and teaching others about the cause! 

Having said all that, more are on the way! When I know for sure when they will be back in stock, I’ll let you guys know through a specific email blast before my next newsletter.  

Hope you all are having a great summer so far! Coal and I are headed up to Sault Ste. Marie and further north to see some family and friends for a while! If you see us hitch-hiking, please pick us up! ;) 

Take care fam! 

XO,

Patrick 
Patrick's Promo
We don't need a reason, holiday or event to give you a deal. For the month of July we are offering 20% Off all prints just because we appreciate your support and think you're awesome. Valid from July 12th until July 31st use code JULY20.
What We've Been Up To
June was one of the busy month for media. Patrick made 2 appearances on Breakfast Television. The first appearance was to promote Canada Canoe Paddles and his partnership with them.

The other was to promote the Orange Shirts. Last year Patrick partnered with Rogers to bring attention to the injustice that the Indigenous communities face and the atrocities that have happened at the residential schools. Due to recent events Orange Shirts are back. All proceeds from the sale of Orange shirts going to support the Indigenous communities.
TV wasn’t the only appearance that Patrick made, he also hit our radio waves and did an amazing interview on the Cultural Survival podcast hosted on the Indigenous Rights Radio. He talked about his art and the Indigenous communities' connection to art.

He continued his conversation of art and how he uses it to educate non-Indigenous folx in the online publication True North Living. If you are looking for a great read and want to know Patrick's thought on reconciliations click the link.
On top of the media blitz, Patrick still found time to host a 10 day Pop Up Gallery Show at Stacked Market. If you missed it, don't worry there will be plenty more shows to come.
Just because Pride is done, doesn't mean you still can't get your UNITEE or UNITANK. This collaboration between Patrick Hunter GIOGRAFIK is available until the end of August at Inside Out's Creator Closet.
Keep Your Eyes Open For
Now that Ontario's open, don't forget to come visit us at Whitchurch-Stouffville Art in the Park. This outdoor event takes place on July 17th from 11am-5pm in Memorial Park. Come say “Hi!”, come get some fresh air and come take advantage of some exclusive deals.
Don't Forget To Book A Paint Night
Phone: (647) 471-3303
Location: Toronto, ON