Lot #1: Rare 1981 John Reuben Cree Serigraph Print – "James Bay (Weneebaykook)" – Ltd Ed 18/50

Rare 1981 John Reuben Cree Serigraph Print – "James Bay (Weneebaykook)" – Ltd Ed 18/50 Up for auction is a historically significant, limited-edition original serigraph (silkscreen) print by the celebrated Omushkegowuk Cree visual artist John Reuben. Titled "James Bay (Weneebaykook)", this striking work dates to 1981 and captures the minimalist, nature-inspired aesthetic typical of the James Bay indigenous print movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The composition features stylized shorebirds/waterfowl silhouetted against a prominent, glowing circular sun—bridging the artist's early mastery of printmaking with his lifelong focus on northern Canadian wildlife. The subtitle "Weneebaykook" derives from the Cree word meaning "the shores" or "the coastal waters." This piece was pulled in a highly restricted, low-volume run of only 50 prints. This specific piece is hand-numbered 18/50, hand-titled, and hand-signed/dated by the artist in graphite along the lower margin. Artist Information & Provenance Artist: John Reuben (b. Moosonee, Ontario) Collective History: In 1979, John Reuben joined Weneebaykook Limited (The Weneebaykook Printers Co-op), an influential indigenous printmaking collective of Cree artists active near Moose Factory and Moosonee. This print represents a prime example from the peak era of that historic collective. Today, Reuben is widely known across Canada for his highly detailed acrylic realism landscapes, hand-painted eagle feathers, and community arts mentorship. Provenance: The reverse features the original vintage gallery label from For-Seg Fotos & Framers (formerly operating on N. Christina St. in Sarnia, Ontario), indicating it was custom-framed locally shortly after its original purchase in the early 1980s. Specifications Medium: Original Serigraph / Silkscreen Print on fine art paper Year Created: 1981 Edition Size: 18 / 50 Framed Dimensions: 18.25" x 21.45" (46.4 cm x 54.5 cm) Orientation: Portrait / Vertical Condition Report Artwork Paper: The print remains in good vintage condition with strong ink pigment retention. No major sun-fading or visible water damage to the image face. Matting & Frame: Housed in a vintage silver-toned metallic frame with standard glass. Frame shows minor shelf wear consistent with age. Reverse: The brown paper dust cover on the back is original and shows tearing/punctures (see photos). The vintage framer's sticker remains intact. Nearest intersection Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue Dimensions: 18.25" x 21.45" (46.4 cm x 54.5 cm) Pickup category timeslot {A}