"Looking after a Legacy: Through the Grains of Cedar" Art Exhibition

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It is with great pleasure that we present “Looking After a Legacy: Through the Grains of Cedar”, an art exhibition featuring carvings by renowned Kwakwaka’wakw artists Bill Henderson, Greg Henderson and Junior Henderson of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation in Campbell River, BC. This exhibition is rooted in the profound desire by the artists to carry on the legacy of their father and grandfather, Master carver Sam Henderson Sr.. Sam lived his life dedicated to the preservation of Kwakwaka’wakw knowledge and culture. He used the practice of carving and his experience growing up part of the 'Nak'waxda'xw First Nation in Blunden Harbour, BC to preserve these ancient traditions and restore culture to the Campbell River area. It is a legacy he has left behind for the next generation of carvers.

Sam Henderson was born in 1905 and grew up as part of the ‘Nak’waxda’xw First Nation in Blunden Harbour, BC. In 1934 he moved to Campbell River and married May Quocksistala, the eldest daughter of the local Wei Wai Kum Chief. When Sam moved to Campbell River the culture in the area was nearly lost. Sam, having been raised and immersed in the old potlatch ways, brought the ancient traditions of the ‘Nak’waxda’xw people with him and helped restore culture to the area. He and May were devoted to keeping their cultural heritage alive, and they instilled these traditions into their 17 children.

The Henderson family to this day is a highly respected family of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. Bill Henderson, son of Sam Henderson, is a Master carver in the art of “making wood speak”, and was taught alongside his brothers Ernie, Dan, Mark, Tom and John, how to carver from their father. Today Bill is a world-renowned artist, and his carvings sit in collections around the globe. Bill has followed his father’s path by sharing the tradition of carving with the next generation, including his nephews Greg and Junior Henderson. Greg and Junior - esteemed carvers in their own rights – join Bill in this exhibition as a showcase of how traditions are passed down and carried forward.

Looking after a Legacy is presented in a physical and virtual format. The exhibition and sale will be open to the public from September 3rd to December 31st 2022 at 2926 Back Road, Courtenay, BC. The opening event will take place September 3rd at 11am, with the artists on site.

Liens

• Full Exhibition Details spiritsofthewestcoast.com

Organisateur

Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery

Since 2006 Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery has specialized in a large variety of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous Artwork and Jewelry. With over 100 artists of Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, Coast Salish, and West Coast descent the gallery offers a wide selection of native masks, paddles, argillite carvings, sculptures, prints, silver and gold rings, bracelets, pendants, and more. The gallery is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the art and cultures of the Northwest Coast First Nations and find unique one-of-a-kind works of art.