Identity: Art as Life

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Tuesday, September 19th, 2017
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

VIU is pleased to host the TimberWest First Nation Cultural Art Showcase Program:

Identity Art as Life at the View Gallery. The program recognizes and supports three First Nation artists representing their major language group on Vancouver Island.

The artists are: VIU alumnus Curtis Wilson from Wei Wai Kum in the Kwakwaka’wakw territory, Richard Thomas from Snuneymuxw in the Coast Salish territory, and VIU alumnus Vince Smith of the Ehattesaht tribe in the Nuu-chah-nulth territory.

“I am honoured that I was selected to represent the Kwakwaka’wakw territory, and I am excited to showcase my catalogue of work at my alma mater,” says Curtis Wilson, artist. “My motto is the belief that every day is a learning experience and we must do our best to pass on our cultural knowledge to future generations. This opportunity is one avenue to accomplish that goal.”

“Knowing that my catalogue of work will be shown at VIU, and thousands of students will interact with my heritage and culture, makes me proud,” says Richard Thomas, artist. “There is no better way to start a dialogue or to understand another point of view than through art.”

“My art tells a story, and I want to share that story with the people across Vancouver Island,” says Vince Smith, artist. “I honed my skills at VIU years ago, and when I was a young artist it meant a great deal to interact with a First Nation artist and understand their point of view. My mentors were Tim Paul of Hesquiaht and Ron Hamilton of Hupetchasaht. I hope I can be that for some of the students there now.”

“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.” says Jeff Zweig, President and CEO of TimberWest. “VIU is a values-based institution and one of our values is Relationships with First Nations,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. “This exhibition not only fosters those important relationships, but it displays the work of two of our alumni, and we very proud of them.”