YVR Art Foundation

Almost everyone who visits Vancouver for the first time comments on the beautiful artwork in our airport. The setting of YVR has always been picturesque, but in 1993 the Vancouver Airport Authority decided to make the inside of this travel hub as attractive as its exterior and surroundings. It was during this year that the Vancouver Airport Authority established the YVR Art Foundation, which is a separate entity dedicated to fostering the development of BC First Nations art and artists. The YVRAF supports the design, purchase, and commissioning of artworks to celebrate BC’s cultural heritage and sense of place, many of which are integrated into the airport’s architecture. This is a unique approach to running and decorating an international airport, and there are very few airports in the world that have made such a commitment to the cultures within which they are situated.

Lyle Wilson's (Haisla) YVR Installation

In 2004, the Foundation created an Art Scholarship & Awards Program in collaboration with corporate donors to provide scholarships to BC First Nations youth who wish to develop their artistic potential. Since 2004, the Foundation has awarded approximately $200,000 to over 40 young artists. In 2014, the Foundation also started to offer Mid-Career Artist Scholarships. 

Applications for the YVRAF scholarships are usually due every January and information about the application process can be found here: http://www.yvraf.com/programs

Cody Lecoy: YVRAF Scholarship Winner

Cody Lecoy, In the Face of Might, 24" x 36", $600.00 CAD

Cody Lecoy is a promising young Salish artist of only 23 years of age. Currently, he is in his fourth year at Kwantlen College's Fine Arts Program where he has learned to apply a variety of artistic techniques to his acrylic paintings on canvas.

Since 2011, his mentor has been prominent Coast Salish painter Lawrence Paul Yuxwelptun. Cody has received the Vancouver International Airport Art Foundation Scholarship for two consecutive years - once in 2011 and again in 2012. His new work can be found at YVR and will be displayed for the duration of one year.

Cody's paintings are artworks not defined to be traditionally Northwest Coast, yet within in them are Northwest Coast design elements. The placement of Northwest Coast design elements in non-traditional designs has been both an inspiration and a challenge for young contemporary artists, and we have seen a recent trend in this type of work. Cody's unique sense of style uses natural landscapes as a backdrop for layers and intricate combinations of faces and creatures.

Ideas are born in my mind, and felt while painting, painting becomes a grounding act, bridging the mind and the heart giving rise to ideas clear in intention. With intent to find deep connection within, the Art of the Northwest coast has become a valuable teacher. The art pays respect to nature illustrating the one as whole. With this approach I wish to demonstrate synchronicity between the Outside world and soul. The art is a synthesis of my interests, various spiritual practice have garnered lessons of similar nature.

-Cody Lecoy

Two of his works are available at the gallery: In the Face of Might, 24" x 36", $600.00 CAD and Ridicule Mask, 36" x 36", $600.00 CAD.

Summer 2012 Newsletter

Our Summer 2012 Newsletter is now available! Inside, you'll find information about Corrine Hunt's new cast jewellery line, the work of young Haisla artist Nathan Wilson and summer exhibitions featuring paintings by Lyle Wilson at the Maple Ridge Art Gallery and Henry Speck at the Satellite Gallery. We will also be hosting our own exhibition this summer, from June 16th - July 15th, which will showcase Northwest Coast painting on canvas from a diverse group of artists. Read our newsletter to find out more information!

Every year, the YVR Art Foundation awards a young First Nations artist, who is under the guidance of a mentor or is enrolled in an art school, with a $5000 prize and the opportunity to have their work displayed in the Vancouver International Airport for the duration of one year. 

This year's winners of the 2012 YVR Art Foundation Scholarship include Ariane Medley, Haida; Danielle Morsette, Sto:lo; Raven LeBlanc Pearson, Haida; Cody Lecoy, Okanagan; Cori Savard, Haida; and Nathan Wilson, Haisla. 

Nathan Wilson is a recent graduate from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in Terrace, BC. We have been carrying Nathan's work at the gallery for a few years now, and have seen him grow substantially as an artist. His most recent piece at the gallery is a beautiful hand-carved and painted red cedar mask with an Eagle and Hawk design. The mask measures 21" x 7 1/2" x 6" and is available at the gallery for $2,800.00 CAD. 

Nathan will receive his award, along with the other scholarship winners, at a ceremony on Friday, May 25 at 5:30 pm in the Graham Clarke Atrium in the Depatures Level of the Vancouver International Airport. Congratulations to all of the YVR Foundation winners of 2012!

Image: Nathan Wilson, red cedar mask with acrylic paint, Eagle and Hawk, 21" x 7 1/2" x 6". 

2011 Annual YVR Art Foundation Scholarship Reception

On May 27th, Peter Lattimer attended the 2011 YVR Art Foundation Scholarship Reception. More accurately, he was the MC for part of the event and introduced the young, talented award recipients.
The YVR Art Foundation sponsors an annual scholarship program which provides First Nations students with the financial means and the opportunity to work with an established artist to hone their skills within the visual arts. At the end of their term, their final project is exhibited at the YVR for one year.
Congratulations to Cherish Alexander (Tsimshian), James Harry (Squamish), Bryan Joe (Cowichan), Cody Lecoy (Penticton / Esquimalt) and J. Hjalmer Wenstob (Tla-o-qui-aht).
Above is an image of Cody Lecoy with one of his pieces. Cody plans to develop his own personal style within Northwest Coast design by fusing traditional landscape painting with portraiture, while being mentored by Lawrence Paul Yukweluptun.