Dennis Weber, SFCA, CIPA Dennis Joseph Weber was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1951 and lived most of his life in Calgary.  He feels his art has been greatly influenced by his mother's Métis heritage. The fascinating story of the Métis' 17th century origins, through to the eventual recognition of Nation Status in the 20th, could be told through Dennis' ancestors. Louis Riel, Canada's most renowned Métis (and Dennis' 1st cousin five generations removed), was not only instrumental in the creation of Manitoba, but also a poet, visionary and ultimately a martyr. He stated in 1885, the year of his death: "My People will sleep for one hundred years. When they awaken, it will be the artists who give them back their spirit."

About a century after Riel's prediction, Dennis started to explore the possibility of becoming a full-time artist, and since then has achieved not only this, but is also considered one of Canada's foremost Métis artists.  His personal collection of Métis artifacts is often on display at cultural events alongside his art, most notably the 2007 exhibition "We Are Métis" at the Kelowna Museum.  He is proud to identify with the revitalized Métis Nation.

In 1999 Dennis moved to Kelowna and now works out of his home studio.  His preferred media are pencil, charcoal or oil and he often glazes layer after layer to achieve a unique look.  Dennis has accredited Signature Status in both the Federation of Canadian Artists and the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists.  His weekly class, as well as his portrait demonstrations are very much in demand, and he's been invited to teach at various 3-day workshops.

Dennis enjoys the challenge of drawing from life and his demonstrations are always popular at art shows:
"When someone responds to my work, they often tell me it's because it reminds them of a past experience, favourite place or someone they know.  Creating a bridge between our common experiences is what I value most about the art I produce."

Dennis travels to a number of events and art exhibitions.  In August he joins the Artist's Ride in South Dakota, which is an invitational event attended by fifty artists from across North America.  There on the Shearer Ranch, beside the Cheyenne River, models and movie extras are available for artists to photograph for reference in their Native and Western art.  In July, he attends the prestigious Calgary Stampede Western Art Show and Kiyanaw at the Capital EX in Edmonton.  Throughout the year his art can be seen at various Métis events.

Dennis is a youth mentor for the Métis Community Services Society of BC.  His bibliography includes David Bouchard's "The Secret of Your Name", published in 2009.  He is represented by Turtle Island Gallery in Kelowna and Eagle Feather Gallery in Victoria.  Dennis' works of art can be found in collections throughout the world, many donated to worthy causes.