On the dark, drizzling evening of February 16, we were invited into the beautiful boutique Skwachays Lodge at 31 West Pender. This is an award winning Aboriginal hotel and gallery that also houses 24 First Nations Artists-in Residence. Their work is everywhere in the gallery as well as in its 18 guest rooms. David Eddy, Executive Director of Vancouver Native Housing, presented the history and successes of Skwachays as well as other project developments. A heritage building, Skwachays is topped by a 40 foot Totem Pole, very visible from the street and a true landmark of culture and history. There is much to learn from this incredible resource, at the website here: Skwachays Lodge. Sandra Garcia, President, Conscious PR Inc., has provided more information and positive reviews about this event and collaboration here.
After a drumming and singing welcome by Noel Abrahams and Clarence Abrhams, speakers celebrated the Artists, the Lodge, the community and this artistic collaboration. Candace Curr, Gallery Manager of Skwachays, hosted and modelled the importance of welcome, friendship, collaboration, culture, community and ART. All of these were emphasized by Reg Davidson and Wendy Van Riesen, in their shared stories of meeting, and taking their vision to the world. The fashion show was a spectacular showpiece, modelled by radiant, proud models, well supported by a huge audience.
Ravens, Eagles and Polka Dots is a collection based on Reg Davidson's Eagle drum silkscreen and Raven Dancing painting. It reflects Haida culture, stories and landscapes, depicted by the multimedia artist for more than forty years. It is a collection that is a true collaboration between friends, Reg Davidson and Wendy Van Riesen, an eco textiles artist, who, awed by Davidson's work, wanted to share it as wearable art. Her tops and dresses feature Haida colors: cedar red and red ochre, black and sea green and are printed on recycled white sheer curtains, sheets and silk slips. Her fabrics are locally sourced and produced here, as well.
10% of the evening's proceeds from this event will go to the Iyoli Water Project. The evening was well planned, with lots of time after the show to mix and mingle. Food and refreshments were delicious, plentiful and easy to eat. Both the Art and the Collection were available for purchase and it was wonderful to meet many of the Artists in attendance. Congrats on a wonderful event!
After a drumming and singing welcome by Noel Abrahams and Clarence Abrhams, speakers celebrated the Artists, the Lodge, the community and this artistic collaboration. Candace Curr, Gallery Manager of Skwachays, hosted and modelled the importance of welcome, friendship, collaboration, culture, community and ART. All of these were emphasized by Reg Davidson and Wendy Van Riesen, in their shared stories of meeting, and taking their vision to the world. The fashion show was a spectacular showpiece, modelled by radiant, proud models, well supported by a huge audience.
Ravens, Eagles and Polka Dots is a collection based on Reg Davidson's Eagle drum silkscreen and Raven Dancing painting. It reflects Haida culture, stories and landscapes, depicted by the multimedia artist for more than forty years. It is a collection that is a true collaboration between friends, Reg Davidson and Wendy Van Riesen, an eco textiles artist, who, awed by Davidson's work, wanted to share it as wearable art. Her tops and dresses feature Haida colors: cedar red and red ochre, black and sea green and are printed on recycled white sheer curtains, sheets and silk slips. Her fabrics are locally sourced and produced here, as well.
10% of the evening's proceeds from this event will go to the Iyoli Water Project. The evening was well planned, with lots of time after the show to mix and mingle. Food and refreshments were delicious, plentiful and easy to eat. Both the Art and the Collection were available for purchase and it was wonderful to meet many of the Artists in attendance. Congrats on a wonderful event!
Candice Curr
Photos by Colleen Tsoukalas and Dianna Drahanchuk
Reg Davidson and Wendy (Dahlia Drive Designs)
