Nature has inspired Canadian artists for generations. The Inuit of the North are renowned for their soapstone carvings of Arctic animals. The Haida people of the West coast carve beautiful totem poles and sculptures. Non-Native Canadian writers and artists, such as Cornelius Krieghoff, were influenced at first by European styles. The first group of painters to be recognized as distinctly Canadian was the Group of Seven. These artists painted the Canadian landscape during the 1920s. Today popular culture is strongly influenced by the United States. Canadian artists and writers work hard to develop their own style and identity. Canada has produced many popular singers, such as Gordon Lightfoot, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Céline Dion, and Shania Twain. Classical musicians, such as pianist Glenn Gould and contralto Maureen Forrester, as well as jazz musicians, such as pianist Oscar Peterson and flute player Moe Koffman, have also had successful music careers. Many Canadian cities have symphony orchestras, opera companies and dance companies. Canada has a strong tradition of theatre. During the summer, theatre festivals are held across the country, including the Stratford Festival in Ontario, the Charlottetown Festival in Prince Edward Island, and the Fringe Festival in Edmonton, Alberta. Canadian writers enjoy a proud literary heritage, from early 20th century writers such as L.M. Montgomery and Stephen Leacock to W.O. Mitchell, Robertson Davies, Farley Mowat, Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje. Many of these Canadian writers have won international awards for their work. Canadian arts are greatly enriched by immigrant groups that bring their music, dance, art forms, and literature with them to Canada. In large cities, cultural centres present performances of music and dance, sponsor art exhibits, and teach arts and crafts to young people.
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