For the past eighteen years Lattimer Gallery has organized an event to help support the Urban Native Youth Association, a Vancouver organization which has been providing prevention-focused programs and services to Native youth since 1988. UNYA’s work includes advocacy, community development, and providing youth with meaningful opportunities.
All the work in the creation of these small cedar boxes is donated. The boxes are steam-bent and constructed by Métis/Cree artist James Michels, the artwork is donated by each participating artist, and the organization and promotion are donated by Lattimer Gallery. This initiative has raised over $950,000.00 for UNYA.
This initiative provides an opportunity for artists to work without restraint, and to create pieces that might not otherwise be created for the market. This rare and unique opportunity just so happens to be the biproduct of a charitable effort that began as a spontaneous idea to sell a few boxes for donated funds back in 2007. We, at Lattimer Gallery, are so proud of the amazing works of art the artists dare to create. Year after year, we are surprised and inspired by these creations.
The silent auction takes place at Lattimer Gallery from 10am PST on November 22, until 5pm PST on December 6th, where the event switches to a live auction format. We are excited to be holding the final bidding and Artist Reception at the Museum of Vancouver. The reception is free to attend and all are welcome.
