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Bill Reid Gallery Public Program - Ray Natraoro
The Bill Reid Gallery is presenting a featured exhibition titled Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe which conveys the significant role of the canoe in Northwest Coast art through the medium of photographs by Phil Hersee and Robert Semeniuk, and sketches by Bill Reid.Presented in tandem with the exhibition is a public program displaying 19 Salish dugout canoes by Master Carver Ray Natraoro (formerly Natrall). Natraoro brings insight into the transformation of the canoe and discusses how specific characteristics of the tree determine its destiny.
The program is at the Bill Reid Gallery on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 from 2pm-330pm. Regular gallery admission includes the program.
Photo credit:Gary Fiegehen Photography
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 4:17 pm
First Nations Language App
British Columbia's First Peoples Heritage, Language and Culture Council has created an Apple app for the Kwak'wala language. The app is comprised of a Kwak'wala-to-English dictionary, a common phrase collection, and media-rich files that include pronunciations, images, and videos. This is an invaluable tool for those trying to learn the language, or for those wishing to build upon their current vocabulary.The mandate of the First Peoples Council is to assist BC First Nations in their efforts to revitalize their languages, arts and cultures. During the past 19 years, the First Peoples Council has successfully distributed over $20 million to British Columbia’s Aboriginal communities for language, arts and culture projects. The Council released a report last year describing how many BC First Nations languages are nearing extinction, and technological developments such as this app for ipods and iphones can help to preserve such precious knowledge.
Posted on 31 December 2011 | 1:46 pm
Steve Smith's Playful Rendition of a Raven's Nest
Steve Smith's newest piece in the gallery is a playful rendition of a Raven's Nest inside a bentwood box, complete with feathers, branches, and baby birds.You may remember seeing this piece a few years ago in our Annual Charity Bentwood Box Silent Auction.
His new piece, however, is much larger, and therefore allows more space for Steve's signature free-flowing painting style on the Raven sculptures and the bentwood box surface. The unpainted portion of the box reveals faded formline, which complements the nature-like green tones in the painted area. This piece measures 24" x 18" x 18" and is available in the gallery for $7,800.00.
Posted on 17 December 2011 | 4:26 pm
Thank You For Helping Us Raise $21,250 for UNYA
We'd like to thank all our wonderful customers and participating artists who have supported us in raising $21,250.85 for Urban Native Youth Association. This year we had an outstanding level of participation from everyone - we couldn't have done it without you!Here is a complete list of the final bids:
Joe Campbell, Thunderbird, $600.00
Robert Davidson, Eye See 2 Rainbows, $5,000.00
Gwaai Edenshaw, This Side Up (kaleidoscope), $550.00
Phil Gray, Man-E-Faces, $600.00
Bradley Hunt, Make Shift Shelter, $550.00
Dean Hunt, A Helping Hand, $500.00
Shawn Hunt, Frog, $2,650.00
Sharifah Marsden, Wedding Gift, $850.00
James Michels, The Celebration, $700.00
Aaron Nelson-Moody, Glimpse, $1,050.00
Marie Oldfield, Broken Treasure, $1,000.00
Ian Reid (Nusi), Prayer Box, $350.00
Rod Smith, Four Directions, $950.00
Steve Smith, ...But...I Still Love You!!, $800.00
Ernest Swanson, Lesson Learned (Lazy-son-in-law), $850.00
Barry Wilson, Creations, $550.00
The Wilson Sisters, Go Canucks Go!, $450.00
Clinton Work, Boxed Lunch, $2,500.00
The money raised will be donated to Urban Native Youth Association, a Vancouver organization which has been providing 21 prevention-focused programs and services to Native Youth since 1988 to help them meet their immediate and longer-term needs. They will be starting an Endowment Fund for Native youth, and we are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with UNYA for the next two years for this Charity Bentwood Box Silent Auction.
We would like would like to thank all of participating artists for their creative efforts: Joe Campbell (Coast Salish, Robert Davidson (Haida), Gwaai Edenshaw (Haida), Phil Gray (Tsimshian/Cree), Bradley Hunt (Heiltsuk), Dean Hunt (Heiltsuk), Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), Sharifah Marsden (Ojibwa), James Michels (Metis), Aaron Nelson-Moody (Coast Salish), Marie Oldfield (Haida), Ian Reid (Heiltsuk) Rod Smith (Kwakwaka’wakw), Steve Smith (Kwakwaka’wakw), Ernest Swanson (Haida), Barry Wilson (Haisla), Laura, Shoshana, Tallulah, Tara and Tasha Wilson (Hasila) and Clint Work (Kwakwaka’wakw).
Posted on 5 December 2011 | 2:26 pm
The Journey of a Squamish Canoe
Currently, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is holding an exhibition in collaboration with the Squamish Nation featuring the craft and culture of the Squamish canoe. The exhibition, Chatwilh/, is meant to take visitors on a journey through the life cycle of the Squamish canoe - from its roots in a local forest, to the hands of Squamish craftsmen all the way to the Salish sea. This special exhibit will be on display until May 11, 2012.
Posted on 26 November 2011 | 4:15 pm
NWC Artists Think 'Outside the Box' for Charity
It's time again for our Annual Charity Bentwood Box silent auction, and we're excited to show you the outstanding ideas all of the artists have had this year! Here's how it works: Metis artist James Michels has donated 18 small bentwood boxes which have then been distributed amongst 18 different artists who've created some amazing pieces. 100% of the proceeds from your bids will be donated to Urban Native Youth Association. The bidding starts at $100.00 a box and increases by $50.00 increments. The next available bid is the one that is listed on our website.The final date to bid is Saturday, December 3 during our Annual Open House which runs from 5pm-8pm. All of the boxes will be on display, there will be refreshments and participating artists will be in attendance - this is sure to be a memorable evening for all of our customers, friends and family. Get ready to place your bids and support this great cause!
Posted on 19 November 2011 | 4:05 pm
Winter 2011 Newsletter
Our Winter 2011 Newsletter is now available, just in time for the holidays. Inside you'll find important information about our Annual Charity Bentwood Box Event. This year, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Urban Native Youth Association. Bidding will begin on November 19th and will culminate on the evening of December 3, the night of our Annual Open House. We hope to see you all there - get ready to place your bids!
Posted on 11 November 2011 | 3:28 pm
Royal Canadian Mint Bill Reid 10-kg Gold Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled the world's first 10-kg 99.999% pure gold coin featuring an ultra-high relief engraving of Bill Reid's famous masterpiece The Spirit of Haida Gwaii.The coin measure 180mm in diameter, has a face-value of $100,000 and is the world's highest denomination non-circulation coin. It was produced using the same press from which the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games athlete medals were produced.
On the reverse side appears the image of Reid's masterpiece, highlighted in a proof finish. There is a striking contrast between the sculpture's image, which is engraved in a satin finish set against a mirror-like background. The image was capture by the now retired Mint Master Engraver Cosme Saffioti. The obverse side features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, created by Susan Blunt in 2003. No more than 15 of these exclusive collector's coins will be produced for collectors of fine art and of fine gold.
http://lunaticg.blogspot.com/2011/10/spirit-of-haida-gwaii-gold-coin.html#ixzz1cCGa7j1Y
Posted on 29 October 2011 | 1:38 pm
Isabel Rorick Spruce Root Rattle
Prominent Haida weaver Isabel Rorick has created a beautiful new yellow cedar and spruce root rattle adorned with eagle down, eagle feathers, and amethyst stones.On the rattle, variations in stitching patterns symbolize the earth, and the sky. There are four rows of three-string twining which represent the sky, thunderbolt/lightning design representing power and below, there are three rows of skip-stitch which represents the earth. The three rings at the top of the rattle, which can be found on all of her pieces is her signature. Historically, rattles like this were used as a means of healing for young people.
This piece measures 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" and is available for $6,800.00 CAD.
Posted on 22 October 2011 | 2:21 pm
