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Reaching out to students Students in several communities around the territory are enjoying new sounds and new information this winter thanks to a number of touring musicians from near and far. What follows are a few examples of some things NWT students are experiencing this month. Canadian blues musician and prolific recording artist Rick Fines is joining traditional Dene drummer and broadcaster Paul Andrew to deliver skills workshops for students in Fort Good Hope this month.   Continued See also: Art and shamanism Yk musicians relive the past Salvation through hip hop From the pen to the screen

Canadian recording artist and blues musician Rick Fines will join Dene songwriter Paul Andrew to lead a series of workshops for students in Fort Good Hope this month. - photo courtesy of Rick Fines

Web extras Artwork of the week Each week, arts editor Daron Letts will choose a piece of Northern artwork to feature on nnsl.com. To see a larger version of this week's art, click here. See also: Online lit with a northern flair Art expo hits Multiplex Artist challenges basketry traditions

All that jazz

Inuvik's five-year-old, five-piece jazz combo Razzmajazz released its second album last month. Northern Nights features 18 tracks of original music and covers of jazz standards.

The band launched the album during the town's Robbie Burns dinner at the Legion, which was also celebrating its re-opening after closing for renovations.

Fun at the library

It's the time of year when families are looking for fun community events to help get them out of the house.

The Centennial Public Library in Hay River is packing February with lots of fun activities for all ages.

On Feb. 4 at 7 p.m., all are welcome to view a new photo display by local photographer Scott Clouthier at the library. Refreshments will be served.

Students in Grades 3 to 5 are invited to assist with a canvas wall-hanging project with Georgina Fabian at 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 and again on Feb. 11. Students are asked to pre-register at the library.

On Feb. 5, representatives from Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada will make a presentation about wolves and bison beginning at 7 p.m.

Children aged three to six can enjoy stories, activities and snacks at the library during the Bad Bugs and Germs story time on Feb. 7 starting at 2 p.m. Children are asked to bring a parent or caregiver to this event, which is being organized by the Hay River Literacy Society.

Canadian children's author Maxine Trottier will give a public presentation at the library on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

More events are planned for later in the month, as well.

Appeal for support accepted

Inuvik

Last week members of the Great Northern Arts Society requested that town council approve their use of office space in the town office, as well as use of the town credit card and Internet services.

The council gave the society the thumbs up to their request.

Last year, council passed a motion that the society would need to renew its agreement with the town about using office space and other town services for the society.

Society members Arlene Hansen and executive director Tony Devlin spoke to council and made a presentation about their past accomplishments and where the society wants to grow in the future.

Woven art

Vancouver

Woven & Sewn in Time is a collection of woven and sewn artworks created by artists from around North America that will be on display at Vancouver's Spirit Wrestler Gallery this spring. Several Nunavut artists are included in the exhibition.

The exhibit originated out of a desire by gallery co-ordinators to support woven Inuit grass baskets. The collection grew from a Nunavut-based show to include baskets from Alaska and Labrador and eventually added basketry and woven work from NWT, Nunavik and New Zealand.

The show begins on March 21 and continues until April 11.

Nunies announced

Nunavut

The 2008 Nunies were awarded late last month. The Nunies are an annual series of awards recognizing the best blogs in Nunavut.

Visitors to the blogs nominated and voted for the blogs they deem worthy of celebration.

Conceived and co-ordinated by Arctic Bay blogger Clare Kines, the Nunies honour excellence in three categories.

The best blog went to Kate Nova's blog Port Town Ghosts out of Iqaluit. There initially was a tie for best blog between Port Town Ghosts and another popular Nunavut blog, Townie Bastard, another Iqaluit blog. Kines held a tie-breaking vote to choose the winner.

For her win, Nova earned a painting of purple Saxifrage donated by Ottawa artist Nancy Shaver and an Arctic Bay knit cap, among other honours.

Best new blog went to Matt and Cindy Lottes for their blog, Cindy, Matt and our Furry Friends.

Jen of Nunavut, last year's best blog award winner, earned the 2008 award for best blog post for her online discussion titled Cat Nip Linked to Flying Reindeer.

All of these blogs and dozens more can be found on the Nunavut blog roll at http://kiggavik.typepad.com/nunavut_blogs.

© Since 1996 Northern News Services Ltd. All rights reserved Established in 1945, News/North covered the 61 communities comprising the Northwest Territories, a 1,400.000 square mile region north of the 60th parallel. The region made up the present Northwest Territories, plus the area which, in April 1999, became the new territory of Nunavut. Since then, News/North has evolved into two separate publications, each serving its respective territory. In addition, the Yellowknifer, Deh Cho Drum, Inuvik Drum and Kivalliq News serve regional interests in both territories.