BC Business
Bill Reid Gallery reopens its $1.8-million renovated space June 8
Architectural drawing of Raven’s Trove courtesy of Sholto Design Studio.
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art celebrates its 10th anniversary on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17, with free admission, performances, inaugural artist residencies, tea and bannock. Its recently completed $1.8-million renovation exhibition space features a new mezzanine gallery, an educational and social gathering place, and a covered pavilion. The renovation expands the current programmable space while reflecting contemporary Indigenous artists and preserving the legacy of Haida master Bill Reid. The gallery officially reopens to the public on June 8.
The renovations by Merrick Architecture—the building’s original architects—highlight the Raven’s Trove, where Reid’s jewelry is on permanent display. Raven’s Trove is made from custom vitrines by Sholto Design Studio cut from eight 40-foot cedar logs and fitted with locally made curved glass cases that enable a 360-degree view, then hand-finished by carvers led by Haida artist and Bill Reid Foundation Board member Corey Bulpitt.
Highlights of the anniversary celebration:
• In the new 650-square-foot gathering space, Allison Burns-Joseph (Squamish) will hold an open studio as artist-in-residence on June 16 and Samuel McKay (Nisga’a) will exhibit on June 17.
• A children’s corner will feature colouring sheets designed by Shoshannah Greene (Haida), and Northwest Coast authors will perform readings for storytelling sessions on both days.
• The 640-square-foot Bryan and Audrey Williams Gallery in the mezzanine features community artists in concentrated thematic displays.
• Guest curator Samantha Nock (Cree Métis), Nicole Bird (Haida) and members of the Carnegie Centre Cultural Sharing program present Home Away From Home: an ongoing series of workshops that bring together low-income Indigenous people from the Downtown Eastside.
• A new commission by Kelsey Sparrow (Musqueam) will invite visitors to interact with the sculpture.
Opened in May 2008, the Bill Reid Gallery–named after late Haida artist Bill Reid–is the only public gallery in Canada devoted to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast. It is also home to the SFU Bill Reid art collection and special exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast of North America. The Bill Reid Gallery also offers educational programs for students to raise awareness and appreciation of Indigenous values and cultures.