The skills and artistry of Canada's Metis people will be the focus of a workshop coming to Niagara Falls History Museum in November.

"Awakening Metis Culture Through Art" will feature Brian Kon, a visual artist from the Red River Settlement now living in Niagara Falls.

He says the Metis were known as "flower bead people," and his art honours the "skills and artistry of my ancestors by using traditional and historic bead patterns."

Kon has exhibited his work across Ontario, with several of his pieces currently on loan to various museums and organizations.

Participants in the workshop will get hands-on experience creating their own dot art painting based on Metis beadwork. The Metis were known for beadwork which combined First Nations patterns with floral designs introduced by French-Canadian nuns working in Roman Catholic missions.

Dot art is a modern version of traditional beadwork in which entire floral patterns are created by dipping the end of a paintbrush, feather tip or knitting needle into paint and applying it to the canvas.

The event takes place at the museum, 5810 Ferry St., Nov. 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15, pre-registration required. Phone 905-358-5082.