YVR Art Foundation’s annual scholarship program that supports young, emerging Aboriginal artists in British Columbia has announced its 2012 award recipients.
Six Aboriginal artists received the $5,000 award at a ceremony held last month at Vancouver International Airport’s Graham Clarke Atrium. In addition to the monetary gift, each artist also works under the guidance of a mentor or participates in a program to produce a piece of art that will be displayed at YVR for a full year.
Founded in 1994 by Vancouver Airport Authority, YVR Art Foundation fosters the development of First Nations art in British Columbia. Since 2004, it has given more than $180,000 in scholarships to young artists.
The scholarships and subsequent support helps winning artists complete a work for display, as well as interact with the media and public to help ensure the next generation of thriving First Nations art traditions in the province.
The 2012 award recipients, and their nations, are:
• Ariane Medley (22), Haida
• Danielle Morsette (24), Sto:lo
• Raven LeBlanc Pearson (21), Haida
• Nathan Wilson (25), Haisla
• Cody Lecoy (21), Penticton/Esquimalt
• Cori Savard (26), Haida
Housing one of the largest private collection of Northwest Coast native art in North America, YVR is proud to celebrate its local heritage and culture every day. For more information on the YVR Art Foundation, visit www.yvraf.com.