Artists

Stan BevanStan Bevan, Tahltan/Tlingit/Tsimshian

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art instructor, master carver, lead artist/designer of Raven and Killer Whale interior post sculptures for Waap Galts’ap

Stan Bevan, instructor with the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art and master carver, was asked to oversee the development of the art for Waap Galts’ap. The first step was to propose designs for specific art pieces to fit the building’s architecture. Kitsumkalum and Kitselas Elders and representatives were consulted and approved the design proposal.

With fellow Freda Diesing School instructor and master carver Ken McNeil, Bevan chose eight FDS students and graduates to create art for Waap Galts’ap. They created four interior clan post sculptures, two exterior welcome poles and interior and exterior house paintings.

The Waap Galts’ap project was a commission outside of the Freda Diesing School, but was intended to involve students and graduates from the program in order to provide then with relevant work-experiences, and to showcase the quality and progress of the School’s teaching and learning.

“I was asked to coordinate the development of the art for the Longhouse, and have enjoyed being able to work with all the artists that were involved in the project.”

“I am pleased to be a part of a project that will be a landmark here in Terrace and for Northern BC.”

“As a instructor with the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, it is nice to have a place to house the art of many northern artists. This will benefit the students of the art.”

“I see Waap Galts'ap being a learning and gathering place for all First Nations and northern residents.”

Ken McNeilKen McNeil, Tahltan/Tlingit/Nisga’a

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art instructor, master carver, lead artist/designer of Eagle and Wolf post sculptures for Waap Galts’ap

“In the Waap Galts'ap project I was one of the main artists, designing two of the four inside poles, the Wolf and Eagle. I had two apprentices—Darryl Moore and James Weget—who I guided to help bring out the designs.”

Brian McKeeBrian McKee, Tsimshian

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, main assistant to Stan Bevan on Raven and Killer Whale interior post sculptures

“The Waap Galts’ap project has offered me a chance to get more recognition as an up-and-coming local Northwest Coast artist.”

“Since I graduated in 2009, the Waap Galts’ap project has provided an opportunity for me to present the public, the craft of Northwest Coast Native Art, which is a privilege for me to learn.”

“I see Waap Galts’ap serving as a gathering place to network with other artists, community members and as a base for cultural connections.”

“I’m looking forward to the raising of the poles on May 8 and the significance of its representation on Tsimshian land. The opening ceremony of Waap Galts’ap has the potential for increased cultural awareness and pride for our native students and community members.”

Jacqueline McNeilJacqueline McNeil, Tsimshian/Nisga’a

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, assistant to Stan Bevan on Raven and Killer Whale interior post sculptures

"My role in the Waap Galts'ap project was assisting Stan Bevan on the Killerwhale interior post sculpture. As an artist, this project means a lot to me. It will be a part of the College's history and it is great to be a part of it. Every project I do, I see and learn so much more about the art. I am very thankful."

"I think that Waap Galts'ap will make the College more of a home away from home. This is being done for the community and the students; it will be and is a beautiful place. On May 8th, I'm most looking forward to all the people who gather for the celebration."

Darryl MooreDarryl Moore, Nisga’a

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, main assistant to Ken McNeil on Eagle and Wolf interior posts

“In assisting Ken McNeil in the production of two crest figures, the Eagle and Wolf, I followed Ken’s instruction as to how the pieces were to be started, shaped, refined, painted and detailed.”

“The significance of the project for me is great. I am profoundly humbled by the experience and honoured to be part of a legacy project that is so close to my home. I will be able to show my family and friends what I am able to do and be proud of what I can achieve. As a Graduate of the FDS, my work is a testament to the effective learning and teaching methods of the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art.

"The purposed services of Waap Galts’ap are to give the local community a comfortable space where they can do what they have always done – learn and teach our ways to our people and give an opportunity to the students of CMTN to dispel myths and stereotypes, learn about our culture and foster understanding and respect amongst our diverse populations. I am looking forward on May 8 to see a community come together and celebrate its accomplishment. And to see old friends I haven’t seen in a while."

James WegetJames Weget, Gitxsan/Nisga’a

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, assistant to Ken McNeil on Eagle and Wolf interior post sculptures

 

 

 

Titus AucklandTitus Auckland, Tsimshian/Haisla

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, lead artist of two exterior welcome poles for Waap Galts’ap

"My role in the Waap Galts'ap project is lead carver of two welcome poles for the west side of the long house. Ken Hans assisted me in the work. As an artist, the project allowed me to be involved in a first-of-its-kind building on a campus in the North. As a graduate of CMTN, I feel very proud to know that this art will still be here long after I'm gone. Waap Galts'ap will be a central meeting place for students, faculty, Elders, and others, as well as a great identifier of this area."

"I am most looking forward to people being able to see totems being raised at long house site and how all the art comes together to represent the Tsimshian and other nations involved."

Ken HansKen Hans, Haida

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, assistant to Titus Auckland for two exterior welcome poles for Waap Galts’ap

 

 

 

Dean HeronDean Heron, Kaska/Tlingit

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, lead artist of interior and exterior house paintings for Waap Galts’ap

“My role in the Waap Galts’ap project was to help in designing and painting the interior screen and house front. My involvement has allowed my art to be entrenched with the community – not only the College but with Terrace as a whole.”

“As a graduate from the FDS, this project has been an important step for me, moving from the classroom into the public eye and continually progressing as an artist and giving me confidence to work on a larger scale. Giving back to the School that has taught me so much in terms of being a professional artist.

“I see Waap Galts’ap as a community project – Kitsumkalum, Kitselas, Terrace, and Coast Mountain College coming together as one, teaching that regardless of cultural nuances, we can move along into the future together. On May 8, I’m looking forward to people coming together.”

Shawn AsterShawn Aster, Tsimshian

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, assistant to Dean Heron on interior and exterior house paintings for Waap Galts’ap

 

 

 

Matthew DarathaMatthew Daratha, Métis

Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art graduate, assistant to Dean Heron on exterior house paintings for Waap Galts’ap

"My duty was to assist Dean Heron on his scaled wall piece for the exterior of Waap Galts'ap. Just to be involved in the Waap Galts'ap project was an honour. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I can't wait for the community to come and see this wonderful building."