Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Versatile artists Filfred Tahy and his wife Shirelle are located on Cornwall Island and own Tahy’s Fine Art & Design.

Filfred is from the Dine’ Nation, and Shirelle is from Akwesasne. Both Filfred and Shirelle are artists, with Shirelle working on painting, beadwork, moccasins, and sculpture.

Filfred, who is self taught, works in a variety of mediums as well, ranging from acrylic, pencil, charcoal, ink. He is now focusing more on his graphic design work--which has his artwork on merchandise, like mugs and water bottles- as well as having designed the logos for several businesses, sports teams, organizations, and departments in MCA and SRMT.

The Tahys usually work the powwow trail selling their work up and down the east coast, and Filfred says they have worked a powwow nearly every weekend since March. Besides selling his work he and his children also dance in competition.

In order to keep up with the times, Tahy said, “I need to come up with about two new designs a week, because a design will run its course.”

Tahy also does fans for powwow dancers and ceremonies.

About his work, Tahy said, “I messed around and people liked what I did, and that was about 30 years ago. You know what’s funny? A couple of weeks ago I was trying to draw a straight line, and I couldn’t, so now I need to practice my painting.”

Tahy is also involved with Native Creations, a collective located on 37 at the old Kanienkehaka plaza. The grand opening is on Dec. 1st, and while Tahy won’t be there while he and his family are on vacation, expect to find his work there for purchase.