Artist in Residence Carving Open House with James Groening

Tickets

Cost: Free

A unique carving experience:
Meet Totest Aleng’s Artist in Residence, James Groening (Blue Sky), a Cree artist from Kahkewistahaw First Nation. Explore his vibrant paintings, carving projects, and works in progress as he explores connections between Cree and Coast Salish artistic traditions.
Throughout the day, James will be joined by fellow Indigenous carvers he has invited to share in the experience, offering visitors the opportunity to witness carving demonstrations, engage with multiple artists, and learn through cultural knowledge sharing.

Guest carvers:
Ryan Hughes - Ryan Hughes is an urban Indigenous youth in the City of Surrey and is from the Snuneymuxw Nation. He is an up-and-coming multi-hyphenate artist who is honing his skills in wood carving, digital art, shading and colouring, as well as some painting. Hughes is mentored by Chris Sparrow and John Velton who teaching him technical skills in wood carving and digital art.

KC Hall - KC Hall was born in Bella Bella, BC, He is the grandson of hereditary Chief Irene (Wakas) Brown. In high school, KC developed a passion for handwriting, lettering, and graffiti. After graduating from high school, he began creating work on a larger scale. In 2012, KC studied with Nisga’a artist Robert Tait in the Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts Program at Native Education College in Vancouver.

Chris Sparrow - Chris Sparrow is a Coast Salish artist from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam First Nation). He is renowned for his exceptional carving skills and dedication to preserving and sharing traditional Salish art. Born and raised in Vancouver, Chris learned the traditional art of carving—woodcarving, mask-making, and house posts—from his late father, master carver Irving Sparrow. He mastered many rare techniques, including carving delicate contours without splitting the wood, which requires anywhere from six months to a year to complete.

Jay Simeon - Jay Simeon (born 1976 in Fort McLeod, Alberta) is of Blackfoot and Haida ancestry, belonging to the Kaawaas branch of the Sdast’a.aas Eagle clan. He began apprenticing with his aunt, renowned Haida artist Sharon Hitchcock, at age 14 and later learned jewellery-making from Dwayne Simeon while continuing his study of Northwest Coast design. Working across serigraphy, sculpture, masks, panels, and carving, Simeon has demonstrated exceptional versatility and skill. He is especially celebrated for his intricate jewellery in gold, silver, bone, and argillite, establishing himself as a leading figure in contemporary Northwest Coast design.
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