TimberWest Forest Corporation, operating for more than 100 years in British Columbia, is hosting a seven-week First Nation Cultural Art Showcase Program featuring the works of three first nations artists, one of whom is well-known Ehattesaht artist Vince Smith.
The First Nation Cultural Art Showcase Program recognizes and supports the three artists, commissioning them to design, create and showcase their cultural art work at the Nanaimo Art Gallery at Vancouver Island Museum.
Smith, who lives in Zeballos, is from Ehattesaht with family roots extending to Nuchatlaht and Mowachaht First Nations.
According to a biography supplied by TimberWest, Smith began carving in 1977 with his late brother Gideon Smith. After graduating from Nanaimo District Senior Secondary, he attended Malaspina College, (now Vancouver Island University), where he took art classes for a few years. He went to the Royal British Columbia Museum, to study the art work of elders and also studied books on Nuu-chah-nulth art. After finishing college Smith worked for Theytus Books in Nanaimo from 1979 to 1980.
Smith went on to learn from Hesquiaht master carver Tim Paul and artist Ron Hamilton of Hupacasath First Nation.
He has done carvings that were erected around buildings for Ehattesaht First Nation in Zeballos and the Zeballos Secondary/Elementary School, where he has been teaching art for the last five years.
The First Nation Cultural Art Showcase represents TimberWest’s contribution to the celebration of National Aboriginal Day. The three artists, Vince Smith, Curtis Wilson, Kwakwaka’wakw and Richard Thomas of Tsawout represent three major Aboriginal language groups on Vancouver Island.
Each artist was commissioned to create eight to 12 art pieces. These pieces will be added to TimberWest’s art collection and will go on display at their three office locations in Campbell River, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The art may also be donated to auctions that support fundraising efforts of organizations that are supported by TimberWest like the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Truck Loggers Association and Ducks Unlimited.
“We are pleased to shine a spotlight on these remarkable artists and provide the public with a viewing experience that will tell a story about Vancouver Island’s First Nation culture,” said Jeff Zweig, President and CEO of TimberWest.
The exhibit opened on Sept. 14 with a reception and will run until Nov. 3.
TimberWest is a member of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business. They have a history of supporting First Nations artists with the donation of logs and continue to provide this type of support.
