Regeneration artwork documentary photos

Opening reception: October 26th 6:00-9:00 pm
Show runs from October 26th - November 25th

Over 22 original works have been imagined and inspired by a gallery of b&w photos taken by 11 youth from the Lax Kw'alaams band, Tshimshian First Nation.

The quality of artwork in this exhibition is matched only by the exceptional talent and imagination displayed in the childrens' photographs. The photographers are Braden Dudoward, John Reece-Gray, Elizabeth Ryan-Wesley, Juanita Sampson, Katherine Sankey, Eric Helin, Dallas Henry, Katrina LaRochelle, Jordyn Nelson, Brittany Reece and Tyler Ryan.

Collaborating with the children's photographs are 20 distinguished contemporary artists. The innovative and highly collectable works include photography, painting, and mixed media.

Regeneration is a collaborative, education initiative and important local, fair trade art event.

"Sustaining dignity and confidence is taxing when students are faced with entering a daunting system outside of the community, yet it can be done. It is this generation and the next that are reviving the beauty of the past, merging it with positive elements of the present to sustain a healthy future." (Crystal Clark, Lax Kw'alaams school teacher)

The project encourages inter-community partnership as well as cross-cultural and creative opportunities for a remote first nations population. The initiative is intended to promote self-esteem and spark imagination for youth through a creative collaborative art process.

Each artist chose one or a number of the children's b&w photos to inspire an original artwork.

Julie Lee
Curator /arthouse gallery