A Review of the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

First Nations Northwest Canadian Art
I grew up in Vancouver, Canada in the Pacific Northwest where many of our family photographs were taken in front of the regal totem poles in Stanley Park. Aboriginal Haida art is so ubiquitous that in my youth, I had little appreciation for its sublime beauty until I moved to the U.S. I was shocked to find in the States, especially living in Washington, D.C. to find little Native American Art. As a Canadian, I am filled with great pride every time I pass through the nation's capitol and walk by the Canadian Embassy where the massive sculpture of The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, the Black Canoe by Bill Reid - Master of Haida Art resides prominently floating in a pool, in celebration of the Aboriginal heritage of the Haida - one of Canada's First Nations.

Bill Reid's Contribution to Preservation of Northwest Coast Art
Bill Reid will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to preserve Northwest Indian Art. It is great to see his work honored with the opening of a new public art gallery. The Bill Reid Foundation's website describes the late Bill Reid's contribution to preservation of West Coast Salish art and culture as "pivotal in introducing to the world the great art traditions of the indigenous people of the Northwest Coast of North America."

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
The Bill Reid Gallery officially opens to the public Saturday, May 10 in the former Canadian Craft Museum showcasing the Haida art of Bill Reid including his "legacy of magnificent works of art from the most intricate to the monumental - many wood carving, jewellery, print and sculpture". Other First Nations art will also be featured in the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. The totem pole that graces the center of the gallery is carved by Haida artist Jim Hart in dedication to Bill Reid. The Chief Dan George Center for Advanced Education which currently occupies the space "will continue its long time commitment to Aboriginal education in British Columbia and across Canada, delivering programs in the building that bears the legendary Chief's name."

Location of The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
639 Hornby Street, Downtown Vancouver
The closest skytrain station is Burrard

Dates and Hours of The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Opening Exhibition May 10, 2008 - January 11, 2009
Gallery Hours. Summer May 10-Oct 14
Mon-Fri 10:30 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm
For more information 24 hours a day, call 604.682.3455

Other Places to View First Nation's Art in Vancouver, British Columbia
Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. This magnificent collection is housed in a beautiful building designed by award winning Canadian architect, Arthur Erickson which perfectly complements the museum's holdings of First Nation's art and cultural artifacts.

If You Would Like to Acquire Northwest Coast Art for as little as $20
The Totems to Turquoise Exhibition featuring Northwest Coast Art closed about a year ago in Vancouver but the exhibition banner panels 2' wide x 12' long are for sale. Fourteen different images of Northwest Coast Art are available. Single panels are available for $750, double panels $1300, triple panels $1800. For more information, contact Debra Hoggan: indians4@telus.net at the Bill Reid Foundation, 604.682.3455. As for the $20 art, you'll find the iconic images of Bill Reid's Northwest Coast Art in The Spirit of Haida Gwaii and The Raven and the First Men on the $20 Canadian bill.

The Inspiring Pioneering Courage and Spirit of the Haida and Bill Reid
At a time in the 1950s and 60s when Northwest Coast aboriginal art was largely ignored, Bill Reid's conviction to preserve the cultural traditions of First Nations people is to be lauded. Some artists are best known for their expression in one medium such as painting, but Bill Reid both studied and passed on to other Canadian and Native American craftsmen his diverse knowledge of woodworking, how to craft a totem pole and his artistic merit is celebrated in his many prints, jewellery and sculpture. For me, Bill Reid is more than just a Haida artist but represents an individual dedicated to following his bliss and in doing so has touched the lives of many others. The Spirit of Haida Gwaii is a touchstone for me not only in Washington but every time I arrive in Vancouver, a twin version in green called "The Jade Canoe" welcomes me at the airport. My spirit is rooted in two places, inspired by the pioneering spirit of Bill Reid captured in the Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture and Bill Reid's own words in a text poem.

Sources:
"The Spirit of Haida Gwaii" by Bill Reid, Government of Canada, Washington Canadian Embassy website.
"The Bill Reid Foundation today announced its intention to create a Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver", Press Release, Bill Reid Foundation website
"The Spirit of Haida Gwaii", text poem by Bill Reid, billreidfoundation.org