West Vancouver - 2006 Cultural Capital Program

The K-Crew Detectives: Case of the English Bay Bandits!

2010-08-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

2007-09-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Cultural Capitals of Canada, a program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

May 23 - A Contemporary Salish Vision: The Art of Xwa lack tun

2007-05-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

MAY 23 6:30 pm at the West Vancouver Museum

Next Enduring Traditions talk *****

Dr. Jennifer Kramer, Curator at the UBC Museum of Anthropology, will talk about Squamish artist Xwalacktun's career.

For more details: go to http://www.westvanmuseum.blogspot.com

MAY 9 - Northwest Coast First Nation Lecture Series - #2

2007-04-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

If you missed the most interesting talk by Charlotte on Marianne Nicolson, Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, DO NOT MISS this one on Wenesday, MAY 9 at 6:30 pm.
West Vancouver Museum
680 17th Street, West Vancouver (604-025-7295)

AND Bring any Coast Salish baskets you own and find out more about them from Sharon Fortney

Sharon will be speaking on
Enduring Traditions: A Look at contemporary Coast Salish Coiled Basketry

Sharon Fortney has worked with, and for, several Coast Salish communities as a museum professional and contract researcher. Currently she is working on her doctorate in anthropology at the University of British Columbia, focusing on the experiences of Coast Salish communities who work with museums. Sharon has done several years of research on coiled cedar root basketry, wrote a thesis, and curated an exhibit on the topic. She has Klahoose ancestry (Northern Coast Salish) and enjoys working on cultural projects that promote the sharing of knowledge and cross-cultural understanding.

Northwest Coast First Nations Lecture Series #1

2007-04-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Northwest Coast First Nations Lecture Series - (6:30 pm)
April 18, May 9, 23, Jun 13, Jul 4
West Vancouver Museum, $10/lecture, 25/3 lectures or $40/5 lectures
A series of talks on the artistic expressions and cultural traditions of Northwest Coast First Nations. Webreg available starting in April. Individual course no. 387417, 387467, 387468, 387469 & 387424 & 387470 for the series and 387472 for any 3 lectures.

April 18 Insight / Incite: Three First Nations Artists Working Tradition Here and Now - Marianne Nicolson, Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas

Charlotte Townsend-Gault, Associate Professor in the Department of Art History and Visual Art at the University of British Columbia, was a co-curator of Land, Spirit, Power: First Nations at the National Gallery of Canada in 1992 and has curated exhibitions of work by Yuxweluptun and Rebecca Belmore for the Belkin Gallery at UBC. She has written extensively about contemporary First Nations art, most recently ‘Rebecca Belmore and James Luna on Location at Venice: The Allegorical Indian Redux’ for the journal Art History. She is currently editing with Ron Hamilton and Jennifer Kramer, The Construction of Northwest Coast Native Art: An Anthology.

May 9
Sharon M Fortney, Guest Curator, Ph. D Candidate in Anthropology, University of British Columbia

May 23
Dr. Jennifer Kramer (Curator of the Pacific Northwest, Museum of Anthropology; Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia). The talk is bout Xwa lack tun's career and his involvement with Salish and Kwakwakwa'wakw styles of art.

June 13
Karen Duffek, Curator Pacific Northwest & Contemporary Visual Arts, UBC Museum of Anthropology

July 4
Aaron Nelson-Moody, Artist, Squamish Nation

Photo by Urbanpictures.com

Artists Demonstration

2007-04-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ferry Building Gallery

1414 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver

604-925-7290

Saturday April 14th, 2 – 5 pm
Cedar weaving with Alice Guss (Tsa Waysia Spukwus)
& Drum-making with Stewart Nahanee

Sunday April 15th, 2 – 5 pm
Carving demonstration with Xwa lack tun and Aaron Nelson-Moody

StitÚyntm - Enduring Traditions Exhibit (till August 31)

2007-04-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

Enduring Traditions explores the artistic experssion of the Squamish and Coast Salish people who utilizes unique design elements and composition to create stricking masterworks. This exhibition brings together historical and contemporary objects and images from collections of the Squamish Nation, private collections and distinctive loan objects from prominent museums.

West Vancouver Museum
680 17th Street, West Vancouver
Tuesday - Saturday: Noon to 4:30 pm
604-925-7295

Contemporary Treasures Exhibit (till April 15)

2007-03-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

A mixed media exhibition of Squamish Nation Art featuring:

Harold Baker, Pam Baker (Hi-ma-ki-las), Richard Baker, RichieBaker, Todd Jason Baker, Wade & Mary Baker, Yul Baker, Klatle-Bhi,Jody Broomfi eld, Janice George, Alice Guss (Tsa Waysia Spukwus),Art Harry, Rick Harry (Xwa lack tun), Tom Harry, Darren Joseph,Jacob Lewis, Stewart Nahanee, Reno Natrall, Ray Natrall, AaronNelson-Moody, Jordan Seward, Chief Floyd Joseph, Tracey Williams

ARTIST TALK
Saturday, March 31, 2007, 2 pm

ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS - 2pm to 5 pm
Saturday, April 7 Carving Demonstration with Richard Baker
Sunday, April 8 Basket Weaving with Tracy Williams & Carving with Jody Broomfield
Saturday, April 14 Cedar weaving with Alice Guss (Tsa Waysia Spukwus)
Drum-making with Stewart Nahanee
Sunday, April 15 Carving demonstration with Xwa lack tun and Aaron Nelson-Moody

Squamish Nation Sculpture Symposium (Jan - Aug)

2007-03-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

The District of West Vancouver Squamish Nation Sculpture Symposium project is a joint partnership of the Squamish Nation and West Vancouver centered on the creation of a large public sculpture, through a juried process, at Ch'tl'am (Ambleside Park). The sculpture is to capture and reflect the distinctive visual character of Squamish Nation.

A series public programs and celebratory exhibits of Coast Salish Art will feature historical and contemporary works by Squamish artists, objects from collections of Squamish Nation, private collections and distinctive Coast Salish loan objects from prominent museums.

We invite you to participate in these activities and catch a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the people of the Squamish Nation.

Sculpture - Public Programs - Exhibits

CLICK HERE!! To View or Print Program Brochure. The exciting preview of programs includes:

Current & Upcoming Events

Artists Demonstrations at Ferry Building Gallery (2 pm - 5 pm), Free

Saturday, Apr 14 - Cedar Weaving with Alice Guss and Drum Making with Stewart Nahanee
Sunday, Apr 15 - Carving Demonstration with Xwa lack tun

Northwest Coast First Nations Lecture Series
April 18, May 9, 23, Jun 13, Jul 4 (6:30 pm)

West Vancouver Museum, $10/lecture, 25/3 lectures or $40/5 lectures

A series of talks on the artistic expressions and cultural traditions of Northwest Coast First Nations.

Webreg available starting in April. Individual course no. 387417, 387467, 387468, 387469 & 387424 & 387470 for the series and 387472 for any 3 lectures.

April 18 - Dr. Charlotte Townsend-Gault, Associate Professor, Dept of Art History, Visual Art and Theory, University of British Columbia

May 9 - Sharon M Fortney, Guest Curator, Ph. D Candidate in Anthropology, University of British Columbia

May 23 - Dr. Jennifer Kramer (Curator of the Pacific Northwest, Museum of Anthropology; Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia). The talk is bout Xwa lack tun's career and his involvement with Salish and Kwakwakwa'wakw styles of art.

June 13 - Karen Duffek, Curator Pacific Northwest & Contemporary Visual Arts, UBC Museum of Anthropology

July 4 - Aaron Nelson-Moody, Artist, Squamish Nation

Artist Carving Demonstration

by Xwa lack tun & Aaron Nelson-Moody (Apr - Aug)

Call West Vancouver Museum for schedule, Free

Tasting First Nations Cuisine

July 14 (11:30 am) West Vancouver Museum, $35/person, pre-registration required

Lunch on traditional First Nations food, a unique cultural experience on food sampling.

Wearing Traditions - Northwest Coast First Nations

July 28 (1 pm) West Vancouver Museum, $30/person, pre-registration required

Discover the cultural significance of clothing to First Nations people, their symbolic and artistic expressions through songs, stories and dances.

Locations
Ferry Building Gallery

1414 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver
Tuesday - Sunday: 11am – 5pm, phone: 604-925-7290

West Vancouver Museum

680 17th Street, West Vancouver
Tuesday – Saturday: noon – 4:30pm, phone: 604-925-7295

Exhibits

StitÚyntm (Enduring Traditions) Exhibit
West Vancouver Museum (March 20 - August 31)

Nexwníw Chet (Contemporary Treasures) Exhibit

Ferry Building Gallery (March 27 - April 15)

Contemporary Treasures is a curated mixed media exhibition of works by prominent Squamish Nation artists, featuring artworks from Spirit Gallery, Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver.

Media Sponsor: North Shore News

Photo by www.urbanpictures.com

Past Events

Sculpture

Mar 17 - Sna7m Smánit (Spirit of the Mountain) Dedication Ceremony, 2:00 - 3:30 pm at Ch’tl’am/Ambleside Park

Public Programs

Feb 10 & Mar 24 - Artist Studio Open House (10 am - 4 pm)

169 Whonoak Road (off Welch Street), West Vancouver
View location as marked on map.

Click on the map to view larger image.

Discover the Art of this Land- Mar 16 (7:30 - 8:30 pm)

Kay Meek Centre Studio Theatre (1700 Mathers Avenue, West Van), Free

An Evening of Dialogue exploring Coastal Salish artistic expression with internationally renowned artists, Xwa lack tun, Stan Green and Lyle Wilson, facilitated by Bill McLennan, Curator of the Pacific Northwest at the Museum of Anthropology . A rare opportunity to view images of Coast Salish masterworks located in museum collections around the world. Pre-registration recommended, call 604-925-7220 for information.

Squamish Nation Arists' Demonstration - (2 - 5 pm)

Ferry Building Gallery, Free

Apr 7 - Carving Demonstration with Aaron Nelson-Moody
Apr 8 - Basket Weaving with Tracy Williams and Carving with Jody Broomfield

Photo: Urbanpictures.com

Artist Studio Tour #2

2007-03-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

Artist Studio Tour
169 Whonoak Road (off Welch Street)
West Vancouver, 604-728-9464
Saturday, March 24, 10am – 4pm

Meet Xwa lack tun (Rick Harry) to learn more about the making of Spirit of the Mountain and his other projects.

Studio Map:

Spirit of the Mountain Dedication Ceremony

2007-03-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

Ch’tl’am (Ambleside Park), West Vancouver
March 17, 2007, 2 – 3:30 pm

Chet Úutumi kwis tl’a7áshn na7 ta skwáyel kwis wayatas ta Sna7m Smánit

The District of West Vancouver & The Squamish Nation jointly invite you to the Dedication Ceremony & Unveiling of Spirit of the Mountain, a public sculpture by Xwa lack tun.

"Unveiling this artwork will be a monumental event that will bring the people of West Vancouver and the Squamish Nation together in significant ways” Artist, Xwa lack tun.

Stay after the ceremony for live entertainment, kids’ activities, sculpture "in the making" displays and a special keepsake.

March 16, Discover the Art of this Land

2007-03-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Kay Meek Centre Studio Theatre (1700 Mathers Avenue, West Van), Free
An Evening of Dialogue exploring Coastal Salish artistic expression with internationally renowned artists, Xwa lack tun, Charles Elliot, Stan Green and Lyle Wilson, facilitated by Bill McLennan, Curator of the Pacific Northwest at the Museum of Anthropology . A rare opportunity to view images of Coast Salish masterworks located in museum collections around the world.
Pre-registration recommended, call 604-925-7220 to reserve your seat and for information.

Bill McLennan is a Curator, Pacific Northwest, UBC Museum of Anthropology. Bill's project involvements include the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, U’’Mista Cultural Centre at Alert Bay and the Nuyumbalees Society Museum at Cape Mudge, Expo’86 in Vancouver, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the First Nations House of Learning at UBC, and Vancouver International Airport.
Presented one of the public lectures on Northwest Coast Art for the 10th anniversary of the Thaw Collection at the Otsego Institute, Fenimore Art Museum. Presently is a member of the advisory committee for the development of a new programme at Northwest Community College in Terrace B.C. for First Nations Artists.

Bill has won many awards including, “Certificate of Design excellence” from Print Magazine, “President’s Service Award for Excellence” from UBC, and as co-author with Karen Duffek of the book The Transforming Image, Painted Arts of Northwest Coast First Nations, which received the “Award for Outstanding Achievement” from the Canadian Museums Association, as well as the “Certificate of Merit” from the British Columbia Historical Federation.

Xwa lack tun (Rick Harry) is a Squamish Nation artist whose public and private works are recognized internationally. Xwa lack tun is recognized for his contribution to art education, inspiring school students in classrooms and through art projects he has worked with schools. Rick's father, Pekuln was a hereditary chief, originally from the Seymour Creek area. Xwa lack tun was born and raised in Squamish. His mother was originally from Alert Bay (Kwagiulth, Coast Salish) . He took his artistic education from Capilano College and Emily Carr, but mostly his learnings came from project experience. Xwa lack tun recently won a juried commission of a large scale, public sculpture at Ambleside Park, West Vancouver. The sculpture, Spirit of the Mountain, will be dedicated on March 17, 2007.

Charles Elliot (Temoseng) — A Saanich First Nation artist from Tsartlip received the Order of British Columbia in 2005. Charles worked tirelessly for four decades to revive the Coast Salish Art discipline. Through extensive research, Mr. Elliott was able to locate images and information on the symbolic imagery and language of the Coast Salish people, which he brought back to life in his artwork. He has produced many notable carvings, from special commissions to ambassadorial works, such as the Queen's Baton for the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and the creation of a Talking Stick for Nelson Mandela.

Stan Green is a contemporary Stó:lo artist who uses the traditional forms and designs of his people in his work. He studied at the Northwest Coast art school at K'san where he learned from such masters as Robert Davidson. Stan began carving at the age of 13. In 1978 he did his first Salish designs for the limited edition prints, "Human and Thunderbird" and "Man with Wolves", which are considered to be the first examples of pure Salish design to be marketed in the Northwest Coast art scene. He was invited to carve at Expo 86, representing the Salish people and has traveled to Japan where a 27’ pole that he carved was raised in Yokohama. Stan Greene is devoted to the advancement of Salish culture as today there are only a handful of artists that understand the Salish art form. (source: http://www.xaytem.ca)

Lyle Wilson is a Haisla artist from Kitamaat village, which is near the town site of Kitamaat, British Columbia, Canada. He attended the University of British Columbia to pursue a career in art education. Finding time spent in a studio more compelling, he left to pursue his own artistic interests at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design. He graduated with a diploma in printmaking and began to develop his individual personal style. This artistic style has its roots in graphics, but also envelopes his three-dimensional works in wood and jewellery.

He is an Artist in Residence at the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology (MOA). A solo exhibition of his work opened at the MOA in 1989 and travelled to eight other venues. He has produced major commissions in Vancouver for the First Nations House of Learning, the Canadian Institute for the Blind and the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, as well as for the Canadian Consulate in Osaka, Japan. (source: Spirit Wrestler gallery website)

Sculpture Progress Exhibit - CLOSED **

2007-02-10T23:40:00.000-08:00

Due to popular demand, The Sculpture Progress Exhibit is now extended to March 15, 2007 at a NEW LOCATION!

Visit Gleneagles Community Centre at 6262 Marine Drive, West Vacouver for a "behind-the-scenes" look at the making of Sna7m Smánit (Spirit of the Mountain), a public sculpture being installed at Ch'tl'am (Ambleside Park). See photographs and video on how ultrahigh-pressure water cuts through an 1" steel. An innovative way to produce a sculpture of exceptional quality using a software-controlled, robotic motion process. This exhibit will showcase the artist's preliminary design, final engineering drawings, in-progress photographs and video of the design and fabrication process.

Artist Studio Tour #1

2007-02-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

Xwa lack tun graciously opened his CREATIVE JOURNEY STUDIO at 169 Whonoak Road (off Welch Street), West Vancouver on February 10 to the public. Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to meet the artist and see his place of work. Raven Jacobs and Shayla Jacobs were the perfect Squamish Nation student ambassadors to conduct the studio tours and provide visitors with information on Xwa lack tun's past and current projects.

Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones took time out of her busy schedule and visited the studio.

Next studio open on March 24 from 10 am to 4 pm. See you there!

Photo: by URBANPICTURES.COM

Artist Talk

2007-02-06T00:33:00.000-08:00

On February 6, Xwa lack tun delivered a lively presentation at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. He shared with the audience how he began his career as an artist, interesting life stories, past and current projects. He also gave a preview of the art glass pieces that will be inserted on Spirit of the Mountain (the new sculpture to be unveiled in Ambleside Park at the foot of 13th Street, West Vancouver on March 17, 2007 at 2:00 pm).

Photo by URBANPICTURES.COM

The Thunderbird has Landed

2007-01-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

Preview of The Spirit of the Mountain

Raising of the Sculpture

on Monday, January 29, 2007
at Ch’tl’lm (Ambleside Park) entrance, foot of 13th Street

Photo by www.urbanpictures.com

A "Behind-the-Scenes" View - Two Weeks Only

2007-01-26T23:43:00.000-08:00

Artwork: Close up of Sna7m Smánit (Spirit of the Mountain), Xwa lack tun, 2006

Do not miss this "behind-the-scenes" look at the making of Sna7m Smánit (Spirit of the Mountain) at the West Vancouver Memorial Library (January 26 - February 9). The Spirit of the Mountain is a public sculpture being installed at Ch'tl'am (Ambleside Park). See photographs and video on how ultrahigh-pressure water cuts through an 1" steel. An innovative way to produce a sculpture of exceptional quality using a software-controlled, robotic motion process. This exhibit will showcase a scale model, engineering drawings, in-progress photographs and video of the design and fabrication process.

West Vancouver Memorial Library - Tuesday, February 6 at 7 pm
Join Xwa lack tun (Rick Harry) for a discussion of his work and the ideas, concepts and stories behind his new sculpture Sna7m Smánit “Spirit of the Mountain.” The artist will talk about the steel cutting method used to fabricate the sculpture, and the inspiration behind the design of the brickwork that forms the exterior wall of the base to create the impression of a Squamish woven basket.

West Vancouver Memorial Library is located at 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Mon – Thurs: 10am – 6pm, Fri: 10am – 9pm, Weekends: 10am – 5pm
Phone: 604-925-7400

This public program is presented by the District of West Vancouver Squamish Nation Sculpture Symposium project.

Photo by www.urbanpictures.com

Langley School Art Students Studio Visit

2007-01-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

On January 18, an attentive group of art students of aboriginal descent paid visit to several Squamish Nation artists' studios on the North Shore.

On the picture to the right, Xwa lack tun is showing the students the Thunderbird head design of his latest sculpture (Spirit of the Mountain) is the official logo of the Squamish Nation.

The students had the opportunity to see first hand the scale model and sample cut of this sculpture made of new contemporary materials as well as a set of beautifully carved wood doors commissoned by BC Hydro.

Steel Sculpture Received Blessing

2007-01-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

On January 2, before the cutting started at Brenco Industries in Delta, a Blessing Ceremony was performed by Xwa lack tun and Aaron Nelson-Moody. The factory workers and company owner gathered around the machine and participated in the ceremony showing their deepest respect for the tradition and culture of the people of First Nations. Click here to view more photos ...

Photo by www.urbanpictures.com

November 18 Cultural Forum

2006-11-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director of the Four Host First Nations, welcomed forum participants with an Opening Prayer.

Duncan Holmes, Forum Facilitator,
synthesized the ideas generated from the
table discussion sessions.

Everyone dancing in the Spirit of building a Cultural Corridor

at the end of the day

>Click here to View more about the Alliance & Forum

Photos by Dan Fairchild Photography, www.danfairchildphotography.com/

Theatre West Van - Your Can't Take It With You

2006-11-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

“You Can’t Take It With You” a hearwarming comedy that brings us back to the time of depression and the rise of Nazism seventy years ago. A real hit this November at the Kay Meek Performing Arts Centre.

When Bill Elliot, Director of the production, first directed this play with his students at Hillside Secondary School. He was personally moved by the message it sends. Bill thinks Kaufman and Hart still have a lot to say to us in this age of conflict, abuse of the environment and dog-eat-dog drive for material success and power.

Watch for The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery by Theatre West Van next Spring. A farcical British comedy showing April 20-21, 25-29 & May 2-5, 2007 in the Kay Meek Studio Theatre.

Squamish Nation Sculpture Design Selected for Ambleside Park

2006-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

Planning & Coordination
Arts Advocacy
Branding & Marketing
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

2006-09-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Short-listed Squamish Nation Artists Presentation to Selection Panel

2006-08-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Three Squamish Nation artists have been short-listed from the submissions to a Call for Artists. The proposed sites are near the entrance to Ambleside Park at 13th Street or at Dundarave Park to the west of the pier. Read Full Media Release.
On August 23, three short-listed artists, Xwa-lack-tun (represented by Drew Atkins), Aaron Nelson-Moody and Jody Broomfield team presented their design concepts to the Sculpture Symposium Selection Panel. Watch for the announcement of the finalist in mid September!

Community Feedback Time for Squamish Nation Artist Sculpture Proposals

2006-08-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Sculpture Symposium is a partnership project between the District of West Vancouver and the Squamish Nation. A legacy sculpture that captures and reflects the distinctive visual character of the Squamish Nation will be chosen for installation. The proposed sites are near the entrance to Ambleside Park at 13th Street or at Dundarave Park to the west of the pier. The scale models of the design proposals created by the three short-listed artists were displayed at the Squamish Nation Office, Ferry Building Gallery and Park Royal for community feedback. Public comments will be reviewed by the Selection Panel during the adjudication process.

August - Harmony Arts Festival World Music Series

2006-08-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Harmony Arts Festival World Music Series featuring music from around the globe, which includes a kick off concert of Spirit of the West at 7:30pm on August 11th. Harmony Arts Festival, presented by Odlum Brown, is in its 16th year. It is a West Vancouver summer event that attracts over 60,000 visitors to have a great time absolutely free!

Photo: David Smith, Image by Interface

Mayor's Reception

2006-08-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones hosted a special reception on August 11, the opening night of the Harmony Arts Festival WorldMusic Series. The event was held to celebrate West Vancouver's designation as a 2006 Cultural Capital of Canada by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Guests of honor were volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the Cultural Capital program and the Harmony Arts Festival.

Photo: David Smith, Image by Interface

Award of the Hollyburn Feasibility Study

2006-08-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Feasibility Study Selection Committee has selected Donald Luxton and Associates to conduct the feasibility study of the Hollyburn Ski Lodge. The target completion date of the final report is October 4th, 2006. Preliminary findings will be presented at the North Shore Pioneer Skiers during their reunion at Hollyburn Ski Lodge, First Lake, on September 6.

Canada Day Celebration

2006-07-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

The "limited edition" Cultural Capital button was a sold out item on Canada Day at Ambleside Park. With the Cultural Capital booth strategically located next to the Main Stage, our volunteers were able to enjoy the musical performances while sharing information about the West Vancouver 2006 Cultural Capital Program with the visitors.

Hollyburn Ski Lodge RFP

2006-06-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Since 1920’s the Hollyburn Ski Lodge has served as a mountain-top hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Hollyburn Heritage Society has been working hard to care for and preserve this heritage location. A Request for Proposal to carry out a full structural engineering study was issued to establish the viability of the structure for restoration work. Representatives from several firms participated in a mandatory site visit for proposal submissions.

Call for Artists - Squamish Nation Sculpture Project

2006-06-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

A key component of the West Vancouver Cultural Capital Program is a partnership with the Squamish Nation to commission a Coast Salish sculptural piece. The sculpture will speak to the Squamish Nation history on the North Shore and enrich the citizen and visitor experience in West Vancouver.
The public sculpture will be located in an accessible, waterfront location along or near the popular Centennial Sea Walk in West Vancouver. Three possible sites under consideration are the western side of John Lawson Park, near the entrance to Ambleside Park at 13th Street, or at Dundarave Park to the west of the pier.
In mid-July, all entries will be reviewed using the criteria outlined in the Call for Artists. Up to three artists will be short-listed.

May - Asian Heritage Month Festival

2006-05-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

May is Asian Heritage Month Festival at Silk Purse. An exciting array of activities from visual art exhibitions, concerts and programs designed to bring the community closer to Japanese and Chinese culture. Exhibitions, concerts featuring traditional Japanese and Chinese instrumentation and opera arias, to sushi making demos, a traditional tea ceremony and more. Programs for kids included banraku puppetry & origami. 33 artists of Asian descent participated in visual arts exhibits, musical performances and workshops.
Visit: http://www.silkpurse.ca/ for current happenings at Silk Purse.

Photo: Adria Karchut

April - Theatre West Van

2006-04-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Theatre West Van is our local community theatre company that comes home with the official opening of the Studio Theatre at the Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts. “Office Hours” is the inaugural spring production.

Photo: Gary Schwartz

April - BOOKtopia

2006-04-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

BOOKtopia is the West Vancouver Children’s Literature Festival. Cultural Capital grant program funded a special series of Illustrator’s Workshops given by artists Rose Cowles and Diana Bonder at the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

April - Writer's Festival

2006-04-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

The North Shore Writers Festival, April 19-30, 2006 was enhanced by the appearance of Peter Robinson at the Festival. A Canadian bestselling mystery writer, Robinson appeared in an evening talk about his books. Well-known B.C. writer, Aislinn Hunter was the writer in residence providing one-on-one teen writing workshops.

March - Norooz

2006-03-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

Norooz “A new day” in Farsi, is a 2,500 year old event celebrating Persian New Year that has been occurring in West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park. This initiative establishes a partnership with the organizers to broaden the activities and provide an opportunity to engage, interact and appreciate the diverse culture in our community. Close to 10,000 people attended the event this year.

Photo: Lucid Imaging

February - 2006 WinterSong

2006-03-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

Photo: Keith Woods

2006 WinterSong Festival a new 10-day festival held February 10th – 19th, 2006. The festival will occur at the same time every year and celebrate the joy of song through a wide range of performances across West Vancouver in a variety of venues; showcasing professional and aspiring talent as well as providing singing opportunities for all abilities and ages, and highlighting songs from a broad range of musical styles.

It is estimated that we engaged and entertained over 3,000 audience members and supported close to 600 professional, semi-professional and emerging performers. We had over 24 community volunteers involved in the pre-event activities and the Festival itself. Over 138 volunteer hours were donated during the Festival itself with 1000’s of hours donated to organize the event.

For current updates on 2007 WinterSong, visit http://www.wintersong.ca/

2006 Cultural Capital Designation

2006-01-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

Photo: David Smith, Image by Interface

West Vancouver has been designated as one of the 2006 Cultural Capitals of Canada by the Department of Canadian Heritage. The designation comes with an award of $500,000 for activities that celebrate and build a lasting legacy for the arts and culture.

The Benefits to our Community include:

Enables our community to promote and invest in arts and culture.
Provides recognition of excellence and support for arts and culture activities and integration into overall community planning.
Strengthens connections with other communities through shared cultural experiences.
Increases the profile of District of West Vancouver as a venue community of 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Cultural Capitals of Canada, a program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.