Saturday, June 27, 2009 The exhibition 'Challenging Traditions: Contemporary First Nations Art of the Northwest Coast' opened today at the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg, Ontario until September 20, 2009.

By challenging the traditions of their artform, the participating artists have created unexpected pieces; such as a silver bracelet with the image of a Starbucks coffee cup in the mouth of a Raven, or a Celtic cedar wood cross with a Raven affixed to it.

Published in his newly released book 'Challenging Traditions', Ian Thom underwent two years of extensive research on over 40 artists to bring it to fruition.  As a former curator at the McMichael Gallery, and current curator at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Ian was able to tap into the First Nations' arts community to explore the various working methods and philosophies of such artists as; Christian White, Corey Moraes, Susan Point, Isabel Rorick, Joe David, Beau Dick, Philip Gray, Steve Smith, Jay Simeon, Chester Patrick, Chuck Heit, Richard Hunt, Philip Janze, Alano Edzerza, Joe Wilson, Lyle Wilson, Tim Paul and many more.

Four spectacular works were loaned to this exhibition from Coastal Peoples own collection: Raven's Children by Christian White (pg. 159); Frog Dorsal Fin sculpture and The Sky is my Castle original painting by Chester Patrick (pg. 110/111); plus a Dzunuk'wa Transformation mask by Beau Dick (pg. 34).

You may discover more about these artists and view many of their works online through the Coastal Peoples Gallery web site (book is available for online purchase), or visit the McMichael Gallery exhibition in person or online at www.mcmichael.com.

Sunday, March 15, 2009 Today, the Walter Harris Family and Urban Gitksan Society hosted an event in honour of Gitksan Chief Geel, Walter Harris, who passed away in January 2009.

An Ant'im Hanak Ceremony was held at the University of British Columbia at the First Nations House of Learning in Vancouver.  A UBC scholarship will be established in the artist's name.

Throughout his illustrious career, Walter Harris garnered many awards and accolades including the Canadian Governor General's Award in 2003.

A Mosquito Headdress by Walter Harris featured on this site was created in partnership with Philip Janze.

View more details on Walter Harris through our Artist Biographies link.

Friday, December 19, 2008  Unexpectedly, the First Nations' arts community lost one of its most prominent members in November. Gitksan artist Chester Patrick died suddenly at the young age of 50 and in the prime of his career.

A ceremony was held in his honour in Vancouver yesterday and many friends, family and colleagues attended to offer their last respects to a fine man and exceptionally gifted artist.

In June 2007, Chester Patrick was awarded the first annual BC Aboriginal Creative Achievement Award.  A unique talent in many mediums - he was continuing to progress with his work -  his latest passion being jewelry carving.

Chester continues to be in our thoughts, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.

Monday, October 27, 2008  As many people anxiously eye the daily rise and fall of stock markets around the world, some experts are advising they look into alternative investments like fine art.

The art market has a life of its own, and "prices have gone up tremendously in the past five years," Montreal curator Paul Marechal told CBC News.

Not only are high-profile works by masters such as Pablo Picasso or Claude Monet fetching record prices, the markets for contemporary art and for emerging artists are also seeing a boom.

In an economic downturn, savvy investors can find deals by snapping up affordable paintings, prints and drawings for sale later, Marechal said.

"There will be less competition in the sales rooms and at galleries and so on, and so forth. If you are fortunate to have some money, it's a blessed time to buy art, definitely," he said.

"Just as with the stock market, wise investing through art [means] leaning on experts in the galleries, experts in the field.  You can actually bring a profit with it as well," said Jeremy Tabarrock, an investment executive with ScotiaMcLeod.

Today, the exciting anticipation of author and artists arriving at the Gastown gallery was palatable.

Fresh from a book signing event at the Bill Reid Gallery, both Carol Sheehan and Argillite carvers were eager to meet and greet more enthusiasts of the newly released Breathing Stone: Contemporary Haida Argillite Sculpture.

Haida artists featured in Breathing Stone - Jay Simeon, Gary Minaker Russ, Darrell White, Lionel Samuels, Freddie Wilson and Gryn White - were onsite to sign the book as well.

Coastal Peoples wishes to thank everyone who participated in this event to make it a memorable day.