Smithers Events

The Smithers Art Gallery is open Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturdays, 9am - 2pm

Alicia Fernando - “My Way Home”

This sockeye mother has traditional Metis sash down her lateral line. Returning salmon are a symbol of strength and resilience as they face many challenges in their journey home to bring new life. In learning more about my culture and expressing it through art, I find my way home too.

Artist Statement

During my science schooling at VIU all of my electives were in visual arts which had my left and right brain in a bit of a battle. Since then, I’ve enjoyed learning the many ways that science, art and culture come together. I have been fortunate to work and volunteer with various Indigenous communities both in BC and abroad. Painting has been a way to journal and ground myself in place. Observing connections within an ecosystem is part of my artistic process. In recent years I have been fortunate to do some beadwork teachings and practice. I am Metis on my mother’s side, originally from Hodgson Manitoba. As I learn more about my Metis culture I have been incorporating Metis symbolism in my paintings in acrylic and watercolor. The meditative focus in both painting and beading has been a healing practice and a way to connect with all the Creator has made.

 

Amanda Hugon - “Radiance”, “Contour” and “Rays”

Manipulating copper to create vision and pinned to a birch board with old canoe finishing nails made of copper.

Artist Statement

One of my favourite things to spot along the river is the colours that peek through the bush of the salmon berry blossom, so radiant.

 

Billy-Bob Tait - TBD

Calvin Morberg - TBD

 

Carly Nabess - "Our Grandmother’s Florals”

The florals on these Northern-Style Mitten Gauntlets were inspired by an exquisitely beaded circa 1850-1960 Cree-Métis saddle blanket in kôhkominawak ocihcîwâwa – Our Grandmothers’ Hands: Repatriating Métis Material Art (Gregory Scofield 2023).

Artist Statement

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from our ancestors, other Métis artists and one another. My work is a reflection of those teachings.

Charrine Lace - “Honor our MMIWG2S+ barrette

This piece is to honor our Wet’suwet’en MMIWG2S+. Made from Red Deer leather with rabbit fur behind on Red Melton.Deer and rabbit represent our forests that surround us, Melton represents our button blankets that the chiefs wear when honoring our laws in the feast hall and at ceremonies. Devils Club represents the medicine we carry to keep our energy strong during tough events that make up the MMIWG2S+ issue in our area. Join the movement and show you support the families affected by this ongoing atrocity. Fringes were used as symbols by indigenous people from North America who believed in spiritual interconnections among them living world community and natural environment represented by nature fringes on their cloths.

“Spirit of Laksilyu woods”

This Cedar Hat was made for me by my husband and embellished by me. We have collaborated on everything since we became one. First was the Hat to replace the Quebecois straw hat that I received many years ago. It has been passed down to our daughter now. I am Laksilyu Clan In Kwen Bea Yex (House Beside the fire). Our clan is represented by a Small frog, my house is represented by the ermine pelts, so I am told. I feel the need to represent my culture in any way I can. To uplift our people no matter what others might say. It is my story and my song told through our favourite medium. Cedar bark. Cedar is the tree of Life and I am proud to utilize it as it calls to me. 

Artist Statement

Both Todd and I create from the heart with materials on Yinta Hakat (From the land). Art is my life. I teach it and live it in any possible way I can, when I can. These days it is through the art of Cedar bark weaving on our Wet’suwet’en  Territory. Todd is English and Missisquoi Abenaki Tribe born in the USA and grew up in Quebec. He is a folk artist that takes queues from many different styles and materials. Charrine is Wet’suwet’en from Witset First Nation. She is taught in the old ways of Line art and Carving taught out of K’san School of Northwest Coast Indian Art in 1992. She is also a graphic designer and Indigenous Wildcraft practitioner.

 

Erica Davis - “Naa’a”

This is a limited edition serigraph.

Artist Statement

“Our women have been chosen by the Creator to be the portal between the spiritual realm and this physical realm. The only force on earth powerful enough to navigate unborn spirits onto the planet” – author unknown.

 

Jessica McCallum-Miller (Hlox Majagalee) “Salmon Canoe Necklace”

Large copper canoe with salmon and ocean engraving, hammer texture and tumble polished on an adjustable copper chain. “The See’r Healer’s Mask” Mask is made of alder wood, painted with acrylic – third eye is made of fired copper.

Artist Statement

The salmon canoe represents the return of the salmon as they spawn each year. The See’r mask represents healing. Looking into the eyes of the blind See’r gives you insight into the spirit realm.

 

Jamie Nole - “Transforming Frog Child”

“Transforming Frog Child” is a clan hat with a young frog sitting on top. The piece represents raising our boys into respectful young men. The hat has two small painted designs, front and back, known as salmon trout heads – in this case, the heads represent the boy’s caregiver watching over him. Barely noticeable, from behind the frog, the caregiver is watching his back for him, so the boy could continue looking forward without worry. I wanted to show the never-ending work caregivers put into their children. The chief is young, therefore he has only earned one ermine for the top of his hat, but what an honor to receive such gift. His eyes are of copper, to show that he only wants wealth for his people. This piece is very meaningful to me as it was my project for the YVR Art Foundation scholarship in 2017, and was displayed throughout the airport in 2018. I was mentored by both Ken McNeil and Stan Bevan.

“Growth”

Inspired by the growth of my first born; I’ve watched him overcome a lot and live his life to the fullest. But also, the growth of myself as a parent to my five amazing kids. Learning to work with them to be the best they can be for themselves, validating all feelings and experiences, while taking the appropriate amount of self-care as a parent. Seeing the similarities in my kids and myself butacknowledging that they are their own person on their own path – I’m just happy to walk that path with them. Art is subjective, my design will mean different things to different people. This Remarque has copper leaf embellished to symbolize cultural strength, learning your history to assist with self growth.

Artist Statement

Jamie Nole is a Northwest coast artist from the Tahltan Nation and Nisga’a Nation of the Ganada House – Frog crest. She currently resides in Terrace, British Columbia. She is a multitalented artist creating fine art with wood sculptures, paintings, graphic designs, and sometimes textiles and metal. Jamie attended the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast art in Coast Mountain College. Completing three years earning her advanced diploma, and ran this eShop since 2016. She is a mom of many therefore always busy, but still makes time to make art.

 

Kayl McIntyre - “Where is my Culture?”

This sculpture-box holds a hand-sewn doll walking through a forested path—an intimate portrayal of a First Nations woman on a quiet but profound journey of cultural rediscovery. She exists not just in this piece, but also within the pages of a Canadian history book—a haunting reminder of how Indigenous people are often reduced to symbols or lessons in someone else’s narrative, rather than fully recognized as living cultures with ongoing stories. Made in the style of traditional corn husk dolls (but crafted from soft felt and fabric), the figure stands without a mouth or defined features,emphasizing the silenced voices and lost identities that many Indigenous people have had to navigate. She wears a traditional-style button blanket, but rather than a crest or familiar symbol, a large question mark sits boldly on her back. This powerful symbol expresses the loss and searching that comes with being disconnected from one’s heritage—especially for those whose families were affected by colonization, residential schools, or cultural erasure. The backdrop inside the box is felted to resemble a birch forest, grounding the scene in natural elements that have spiritual and ancestral significance. At her feet are autumn maple leaves with orange handprints—echoes of the children lost to residential schools and the enduring presence of ancestors guiding her steps, even if invisibly. A rosary bookmark hangs between the panels, suspended like a dividing line between two worlds. It references the role of the church in Canadian history and the tension between spirituality and colonization. While some found faith, many others had their traditions forcibly replaced or erased, making the process of reconnecting to Indigenous identity fraught and complex. The doll’s braided hair, soft stitched clothing, and hidden face all reflect the care and cultural continuity present even in the absence of certainty. Though she walks without clear direction, every element around her speaks to memory, land, and the silent strength of reclaiming who you are.

Artist Statement

Art is how I express what I feel—especially when I can’t find the words. It’s my way of voicing the quiet things, the layered things, the truths that live deeper than conversation.I grew up disconnected from my cultural background—just known as the “Brown kid,” without context or understanding. Now, with my Status and a growing connection to my culture, I’ve begun to better understand myself and how I fit into this ever-changing world. My work reflects that journey: personal, evolving, and rooted in reconnection. I’m interested in all forms of art and constantly looking for inspiration in my day-to-day life. Whether it’s found in nature, people, stories, or stillness—I’m always growing, creating, and thriving n the environments I  choose to be in.

 

Kayla Muir - “The Beauties of Summer”

This is made of deer hide, charlotte cut beads, Czech beads, 2-cut beads, Lanyard Lobster claw clasps, waxed thread, and satin floral fabric.

Artist Statement

“Yin kak honzu 'ewh ayowh hozdlï.” “The earth is beautiful, it came to life.”-Witsuwit’en Elder The story of this purse is about growth and new beginnings. When winter leaves and summer comes, plants start to grow and the animals and bugs start to awake. I started to make this purse when I found out I was pregnant, I was so excited to show my child what summer brings us. This project has been the biggest so far, a total of 36 hours of sewing and beading.

 

Markayla Wilson - “Highway of Tears Necklace”

This tear drop design represents the Highway of Tears which is Highway 16. It is made with tiny glass Charlotte cut beads to bring more detail to the form line shapes. Tanned moose hide is used to secure and cover the threading on the back of the pellon. Larger glass seed beads are used for the edge of the tear drop and for the entirety of the beaded rope.

“Moon and Flowers Barrette”

The moon on this piece is made of a quartz crystal cabochon. The pink flowers are inspired by the many beaded flowers that my late Grandma has made. It is made of dyed caribou fur that has been tufted and shaped into petals. The borders of the moon and flowers are all glass seed beads and glass satin cut beads. To finish off this piece, I used tanned moose hide to secure the thread in the back and for the thick cut fringe.

Artist statement

The beauty of art has brought great peace into my life after many years of being lost in my pain. When creating beaded pieces, you need to have good thoughts and energy or else you'll come along many complications in the project. It has taken me years to get to a good place with myself and it reflects in my work. I am a carrier two spirit person from Wit'at (Fort Babine). I have spent years watching my late Grandma Sarah create so many beautiful pieces. She was infamous for her gloves and moccasins at the old HBC building in Wit'at. She was my inspiration for starting my beading journey. All my life I have been exposed to the awareness of the missing and murdered indigenous women. My late Aunt Ramona’s life was taken just past the Smithers airport when she was 16 and I've watched myfamily yearn for justice on her case for years. It came to a great shock to me when I realized that not everyone knew about the tragic story of the Highway of Tears. Its been 31 years and my family still has hope for justice on my late Aunt Ramona’s case and all of the other unsolved MMIW cases across Turtle Island.

 

Pat Gauthier - “Stuart Lake Pictographs”

This is an image of painted rock art from the Stuart Lake pictographs, painted on a flat rock mounted in a black shadow box.

Artist Statement

My pictograph reference is from one of the many sites along the shores of Stuart Lake. I felt compelled to record the ancient rock art, the exact meaning has slipped away in time, and so is the red ochre paint on the cliffs themselves, fading!

 

Patricia June Vickers - “Eagle Amulet: Riding the Supernatural”

On our healing journey we often need to rest on the body of the Supernatural to support us in learning patience.

“Killer Whale Amulet: Riding the Depths”

When we face the challenges on our healing journey, it is good to remember that we’re not alone. The Supernatural was with us in our childhood during adverse experiences and the Supernatural is with us to give us strength to heal from past  experiences.

“Human: Holding the Eternal Line”

There’s an energy force for the good that is always there. Reach out and grab hold.

Artist Statement

Our ancestors have carved and painted our inheritance of self-regulation in stone, bone and wood. These three pieces celebrate the healing power of the way in which our ancestors have communicated spiritual balance to us through their creativity, inspiration and vision. May they bring encouragement to us all.

 

Rob Davis - "Sdik'yool"

"Sdik'yool" one of the most powerful and knowledgeable beings one could be around, holding wisdom in all aspects of being and one of the best places to receive guidance and love from. alder, acrylic paint, copper, horse hair.

Artist Statement

Nisga’a artist whose family comes from Gitlaxt’aamiks. Currently lives in the traditional unceded territory of the Ts’msyen Nation. Gitlaxdax has been the home for his bicycle shop business and art studio. He competed a diploma at Freda Diesing Northwest Coast fine arts in 2025. His work focuses on formline, carving, repousse, and jewelry.

 

Sabrina Williams - TBD

 

Savannah Medeiros - “Eagle Bowl”

This is my first crest bowl. I wanted the bowl to have lots of sculpture, so I focused on the wings.

Artist Statement

Savannah Medeiros is a Nisg’a/Ts’msyen artist whose crest is GisK’aast (Killer Whale). Her family comes from Gitwinksihlkw, part of the Nisg’a Nation. She lives in Kitsumkalum, where she grew up (Ts’msyen Nation). She has been practicing this traditional art for since she can remember. Savannah is a graduate of the second year at Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art.

 

Stephanie Anderson

Artist Statement

Stephanie Anderson is from the Likhsilyu “Small Frog” clan, Kwin Begh Yikh “House beside the fire” of the Wit’suwit’en nation. Her grandmother is Kilisët, Violet Gellenbeck, the matriarch of her family. She currently lives on the unceded territories of the Ts’msyen, along the Skeena River in the city of Terrace, British Columbia. She began her studies of traditional carving and formline design in 2009 at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. In 2010 during her second year of schooling she was awarded the Youth Scholarship Award from the YVR Art Foundation, in which she began a mentorship with master carver Ken McNeil. This mentorship continued in 2018 through 2022, which included sculptural carving, ts’an “totem pole” carving, and instructor training. In 2024 she was awarded the BC Achievement Foundation award in First Nations Art which coincidedwith her artwork exhibiting at the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, BC for the Curve! Exhibition featuring female Northwest Coast carvers. Although she devotes much of her studio practice to her sculptural carvings in cedar, she has a diverse range of artistic mediums. She expresses her artistic style in digital design, copper smithing, painted works, and in the summer months she paints large  scale murals solo and with her collective Raven-Tacuara. Her inspiration flows from the rich traditions of her family and nation, and its diverse histories and respect of the yintah, or territories.

 

Taalrumiq - “Arctic Ocean Waters”

These are tiered water drop sealskin earrings with natural blue fox, leather and sequin fringe, glass beads and Swarovski crystals. Inspired by the beauty of the arctic ocean: the shimmery surface and depths below, and everything it provides to sustain life for coastal Inuvialuit.

“Untitled (Ilgaak Snow Goggle Necklace)”

This is a 3D printed resin ilgaak (snow goggle) necklace with metal chain. Tiered wolf fur tassels are encased in sterling silver cones with rainbow themed Swarovski crystals. Inspired by ancestral Inuit ingenuity, ilgaak offered practical eye protection from harsh UV rays reflecting off the ice and snow, which could cause photokeratitis or snow blindness. Historically made of bone, wood, baleen or hide.

Artist Statement

I share Inuvialuit culture with the world through meaningful art, fashion, advocacy and content creation, showcasing traditional Inuit materials in exciting new contexts. Combining embodied ancestral skills, traditional knowledge and contemporary training, my work is a seamless blend of Inuit ingenuity and vision.

 

Tanya Gregoire - “Two Sisters”

To my dédze (younger sister) Michelle. The image depicts two women, representing my sister and I holding a frog. The connecting tongue symbolizes the transfer of knowledge between us. This support is reflective and inherent.

Artist Statement

Tanya Gregoire’s family is Tahltan, Tlingit, French Canadian and Japanese. She is from the Ch’yóne (Wolf) clan from the Tahltan Nation. She feels an inner calling to highlight flowers and plants in her art. This intrinsic love of flowers and plants is rooted in her connection to her grandma and Ancestors.

 

Travis Peal - “Receiving One’s Name”

This paddle design represents the tradition of receiving a name in ceremony and participating in culture. I came up with the design after receiving my second name and seeing our culture flourish with participation.

Artist Statement

My name is Travis Peal and my Nisga'a name is Hlgu Gitiks. I am like many other first nations out there and have found my way back to my culture through art. Art allows me to access our culture in a way I've never seen. Driving the urge to absorb knowledge and never stop learning whatever helps me grow as an artist and an individual. I used to shy away from culture, now I share what I can through art and encourage cultural participation.