NATIVE SON: Ranked among Canada’s finest and celebrated artists, Bill Reid’s influence and body of work can be found throughout the province and country. The Haida artist — a master goldsmith, sculptor and carver — was a pivotal force behind the renaissance of Northwest Coast art and traditions. His works ranging from exquisite carvings in precious metals to monumental sculptures in cedar and bronze have been exhibited, cherished and collected locally and abroad. In Vanhattan, his stunning works can be seen welcoming visitors to the Vancouver airport, Museum of Anthropology and Vancouver Aquarium.
In 2008, the Bill Reid Foundation opened The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver to commemorate his contributions and influence. Reid passed away in 1998 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. The only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast art, the downtown cultural gem recently marked its 10th anniversary with a celebratory gala to raise a glass to the B.C. artist, support future programming and ensure emerging and established Indigenous artists have the opportunity to exhibit in the recently expanded space.
Led by Douglas Reynolds, Fei Wong and an influential committee of art patrons, more than 150 guests took in the Raven’s Feast. The celebratory evening brought together artists, donors and community supporters who made it possible for the gallery to honour the legacy of Bill Reid, reveal the diverse cultures of the Northwest Coast and promote cross-cultural understanding. Hosted by CBC’s Stephen Quinn , party highlights included a multi-course Northwest Coast themed-dinner, live performance by Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson , and auction of exceptional art and experiences. Masterful works by Reid, Rande Cook , Luke Marston and Cory Bulpitt contributed to a $100,000 night.
Gordon Smith Foundation Spring Luncheon
SMITH LEGACY: Another cultural icon, Canadian painter, printmaker and sculptor Gordon Smith was a no-show at his foundation’s annual Spring Luncheon. At 99-years-old, the artist can be forgiven for not feeling up to attending said Vicki Gabereau , master of ceremonies of the fundraising nooner at Capilano Golf and Country Club. Two hundred fans did make the luncheon luau — the 15th running — to support Smith’s love of teaching, cultivation of young talent and providing arts education for all.
Smith’s Artists for Kids program is a legacy of his and his late wife Marion’s efforts. Established in 1989, the art program has enriched the lives of thousands of students of all ages each year. The Artists for Kids endowment as well as the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art in North Vancouver was the beneficiaries of this year’s fundraising efforts. As always the main event was the art auction of seven one-of-a-kind Canadian works by familiar names such as Ian Wallace , Graham Gillmore , Ross Penhall , Chris Charlebois , and Pierre Coupe .
The donated works sold for asking or under estimate. Auctioneer Barry Scott worked harder when Douglas Coupland’s Tsunami Study — his commentary on the Ocean’s plastic pollution — went on the auction block. As usual, it was the final auction piece, Gordon Smith’s newest work — a mixed media on canvas — that captured the attention of many selling as expected beyond asking. The sale of fine works along with a Heritage Canada match would see the afternoon’s final tally surpass the $185,000 mark.
Thanks to the foundation and this charity luncheon, more than 5,000 students benefit each year, said Yolande Martinello , Artists for Kids director.
“For 29 years, our programs have allowed young people to discover the joys of creating, the delight of hands-on learning and the sense of accomplishment that is too often under-represented in our education system. We’ve nurtured talent, supported skill development and celebrated positive self-expression. And we have raised a new generation of art appreciators,” she added.
Face The World Gala
WORLD TOUR: Legendary singer Tom Jones headlined Jacqui Cohen’s 28th Face the World Gala. After helping launch the society maven’s inaugural fundraiser for local charities raising roughly $85,000, the 78-year old Welsh heartthrob has returned a reported five times to support the Army and Navy matriarch’s ongoing fundraising efforts. Putting service above self, Cohen brushed aside family health matters to host and welcome 200-plus guests into her Point Grey Road residence for the tony $2,500-a-ticket house party.
Notables making the scene included Vancouver Canuck’s Paolo Aquilini , architect Russell Hollingsworth , Cactus Club’s Richard Jaffray , Paragon Gaming’s Scott Menk e, talent agent Sam Feldman , Haywood Securities Eric Savics , Hy’s Canada’s Neil Aisenstat and Futura Corp’s Amar Doman .
Attendees were royally feted upon arrival. Starting with a red-carpet welcome outside, the Veuve Clicquot champagne flowed. Inside, the reception swirled in Cohen’s living room before guests headed to the outdoor dining tent, brilliantly staged over her waterfront pool. Fuelled by a Gotham steak and lobster dinner paired beautifully with Sean and Saeedeh Salem’s Le Vieux Pin wines, the well-heeled crowd would rally to support underserved children, low-income seniors and disadvantaged women.
While no panties were thrown at Sir Tom Jones — the iconic singer was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006 — partygoers did toss just over $700,000 to charity. Travel experiences and art ruled the evening with a luxury penthouse stay in Las Vegas and a John Ferrie painting exceeded their sticker price. Since the event’s debut, the Face the World fetes have generated more than $18 million to assist more than 350 organizations announced Cohen. They include the Carnegie Community Centre, Covenant House and YWCA of Greater Vancouver.
