Squamish Nation Sculpture Design Selected for Ambleside Park

The Squamish Nation Sculpture Symposium Selection Panel is very excited to announce their unanimous endorsement of a contemporary sculpture design submitted by Xwa-lack-tun (Rick Harry), a Squamish Nation artist whose works are recognized internationally. The proposed sculpture will be situated near the entrance to Ambleside Park at 13th Street to welcome all park visitors – both residents and visitors alike. The design echoes the Lions Gate Bridge which was named after “The Lions,” two peaks that the Squamish people call the "The Twins” or “Sisters.” The place name for the range is Ch'ich'iyuy, the Twins and speaks to how twin Squamish high born sisters helped bring peace between the Squamish and Haida people. ...more

Xwa lack tun was born in Squamish and currently resides in the Xwemelchstn community in West Vancouver. He received his education from Emily Carr College of Art and Capilano College. Xwa-lack-tun has recently returned from a trip to Scotland where he was invited to demonstrate his unique carving techniques to promote the country's totem pole project. He and his team are excited about this opportunity to create and develop new expressions of Squamish Art right at home. ...more

The Selection Panel consists of five highly respected members of the First Nations arts community including a museum curator, a gallery owner, a prominent art collector, a First Nations educator, and a practicing artist. This committee was tasked with the responsibility of choosing a design proposal under a set of selection criteria. “The design reflects Coast Salish tradition in contemporary art form. It will be a beautiful and unique landmark for West Vancouver” commented Bill McLennan, Curator of the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia.

A lecture symposium and exhibition, to coincide with the timing of the installation, is being planned. Read Full Media Release.

Sea to Sky Cultural Alliance

The Sea to Sky Corridor stretches from North Vancouver to Mount Currie, including Bowen Island. With a population of approximately 130,000 residents, the region has a rich and diverse cultural sector. Throughout the year, a variety of events celebrate the uniqueness of each community with few cultural linkages between these communities.

Recognizing the value to be gained through greater collaboration, particularly with respect to opportunities presented by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a cross-section of community leaders from throughout the Corridor held a series of meetings during the spring of 2006 exploring coincidental interests. The result was creation of the “Sea to Sky Cultural Alliance”, a collaborative initiative with the purpose of stimulating engagement in cultural experiences throughout the region.

The vision is "Working with Spirit Regionally" on

1. Planning & Coordination
2. Arts Advocacy
3. Branding & Marketing
4. Strategic Partnerships

The Alliance is now looking to expand and build broader consensus on the benefits of collaboration and actions for moving forward. A one-day Cultural Forum has been proposed to accomplish this goal. Details available end of September.

14th Annual Pioneer Skiers Reunion

On September 7, 2006, many of Greater Vancouver’s skiers from the 1930's, 40's, and 50's met at Hollyburn Ski Lodge, First Lake, for their 14th Annual Pioneer Skiers Reunion. Included among the attendees were West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan, Jim Graham, who built a cabin on "the Ridge" in 1931, Naomi Wilson McInnes, who placed well in several ski races during the 1930's and '40's, Bob Forrest, 93, who as a Boy Scout, made his first trip up Hollyburn in the 1920's, and Fred Burfield, who ran Hollyburn Ski Lodge from 1946 to 1984. Catherine Rockandel was the Master of Ceremonies.

Councillor Jean Ferguson officially welcomed the pioneers. In her remarks, Councillor Ferguson recognized the importance of Hollyburn Ski Lodge to the community-at-large. Josie Chuback from DWV, told the gathering about the 2006 Cultural Capital grant that has provided funding for many arts and culture events and projects, including the Hollyburn Ski Lodge Restoration Feasibility Study that began in early August. Robert Smith and Fred Sverre, representing Donald Luxton and Associates, announced that restoration of the venerable ski lodge was indeed feasible, information that was enthusiastically received by all those present.

November - Theatre West Van 60th Anniversary Production

See “You Can’t Take It With You” - a Pulitzer Prize winning, heartwarming comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart at the Kay Meek Studio Theatre. Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts is located at 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver. The show will run on November 2-4, 8-11 and 15-18. Get your tickets from Kay Meek Centre: (604) 913-3634.

2007 Arts & Culture Calendar

Share the "Poetics of West Coast Modernism in West Vancouver" architectural exhibit with friends and family, send them the 2007 West Vancouver Arts and Culture calendars. 13 selected shots from the exhibit are featured in this calendar at the price of a Christmas card. Order the calendars with a custom message imprint for business promotion. Why send Christmas cards when you can send calendars that will be used through the entire year! Call 604-925-7220 now for pricing and order details.