Dawn Oman is a Métis artist born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. She is a direct descendant of Chief Snuff of the Yellow Knives, one of the signers of the historic Treaty 8 with the Government of Canada.

Dawn has devoted herself to painting full-time. She opened her own Yellowknife gallery in 1999, where she continued to paint, and welcomes visitors and collectors from across Canada and around the world who delight in the vibrant colour and playful spirit of her work until recently moving to Halifax in 2010.

Starting as a collection of original paintings, prints and art cards, the Dawn Oman product line has since grown to include many products, from fine porcelain giftware to silk scarves and stained glass.

Oman has received both the People’s Choice and Artists’ Choice Awards at the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. In 2008, she designed a very popular commemorative medal for the 2008 Yellowknife Arctic Winter Games.

In addition, her work was chosen by the Royal Canadian Mint for the Festivals of Canada Series silver 50-cent coin collection, and four of her designs were selected by the UNICEF International card program. Also, the Canadian North Airlines Corporate look is based on Dawn’s original art: her Bear and Moon design is painted on the jet tails of the airline’ fleet.

Swirling colours representing the northern lights is a recurrent theme throughout her works, as is her brilliant colour combinations and unique interpretations of Northern icons. A self-taught artist with many influences, Dawn’s style is constantly evolving. While she remains true to her northern Canadian roots, Dawn’s maturing works celebrate nature in all its seasons, as well as the kinship between people and nature.

Dawn comments: “My work reflects my fascination with colour and the power of a joyful image to bring light to the soul, during our long winters, the dark time, and at any time the spirit is in need of a reminder that in beauty, there is hope and peace.”