First Nations Art of British Columbia Exhibit
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents the First Nations Art of British Columbia at the Schaefer International Gallery from June 16 to Aug. 11, 2019.
This is the first organized exhibition of Northwest Coast Indigenous artists on Maui.
The exhibition will introduce Northwest Coast First Nations art, history, and culture to Hawai‘i; provide an opportunity for learning, networking, capacity-building, and the sharing of art and stories; and forge alliances between First Nations and Native Hawaiian cultures and the people of Hawai‘i.
The exhibition showcases the artists’ unique interpretations, technical excellence, and mastery of materials, and explores both traditional artwork and the social, cultural, and political activism of contemporary Northwest Coast art and design.
Participating artists:
- Brenda Crabtree is a practicing fiber artist from the Nlaka’pamux Nation, and consultant on the exhibition.
- Sonny Assu is a painter from the Heiltsuk Nation, Ligwilda’xw Territory.
- Dempsey Bob is a master wood-carver and celebrated leader from the Wolf Clan-Tahltan, Tlingit Nation.
- Corey Bulpitt works in wood sculpture, jewelry, and engraving, and is Haida Nation from the Naikun Raven clan.
- Ben Davidson is a wood-carver from the Haida Nation, and son of renowned artist, Robert Davidson.
- Shawn Hunt is a contemporary painter of the Heiltsuk Nation.
- Xwalacktun works in wood, stone, glass, and metals of Coast Salish Kwakiutl and Squamish Nation, and is a cultural leader.
- Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun is Coastal Salish and Okanagan Nation, and is a contemporary painter and social activist.
In addition to the exhibit displayed at the Schaefer International Gallery, three workshops and presentations will be featured.
On Sunday, June 16, 2019, First Nations artist Brenda Crabtree will lead participants through steps in making a deer hide rattle using traditional materials, techniques, and personal symbols from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Alexa Higashi Room. The participation fee is $30 for ages 15 and above.
From 2 to 4 p.m., First Nations artists Corey Bulpitt and Xwalacktun will talk about their inspirations and approach seen in the contemporary designs of their work and demonstrate the use of their techniques in carving and formline painting. Participants will make a nontraditional formline drawing of their own. The participation fee is $20 and is open to all ages. Children attending with parents are free.
On Monday, June 17, 2019 artist Brenda Crabtree will explore the traditional Aboriginal techniques of weaving cedar bark and roots to make a small container from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The participation fee for this event is $50.
To reserve for these events contact shannon@mauiarts.org.
For more information about this exhibition, visit MauiArts.org.