Val Malesku Fundraiser - July 27th, 2014

Lattimer Gallery, along with Douglas Reynolds Gallery in Vancouver and Legacy Gallery in Seattle, are coming together to help an amazing artist and friend who has been working with all of us for many years. Val Malesku is currently struggling financially after dealing with a long term illness that culminated this winter in an intense and brutal life-saving surgery.

Examples of Val Malesku's Work

There are three ways to help support Val.

First, there is an online auction that is open now until July 27th. Artists and galleries have donated items, and the proceeds will go directly towards Val's medical expenses. The auction page can be found here: www.myminiauction.com/thevalfund. 

Second, this fundraising effort will conclude with an event at Vancouver's Bill Reid Gallery on July 27th. Running between 2:30pm-4:00pm, this event will allow guests to place last-minute bids and meet with the artist herself.

The third way to donate is through the galleries that will be taking donations via credit card or cheque, with all proceeds going directly to Val. We can't offer a tax receipt but to show her gratitude for your support, any person donating $100 or more will receive a sterling silver pendant and chain that Val has made. Any person donating $250 or more will receive an individual Salmon Egg print, measuring 7 1/2” x 7 1/2” with the number of the edition to be determined by the number of donors. You can donate in-person at any of the three participating galleries or at the silent auction on the 27th.

Val has been living on Haida Gwaii since the 1970's. She has been a carver and painter and began working in silver and gold in 1981. Val apprenticed with Bill Reid. Her unique designs combine the classic with contemporary in Cree and Northwest Coast styles. In 2013, Val released her first limited edition print. In 2014, she released two open edition prints. We encourage you to contact us by email, phone, or in person if you have any questions or requests.

Val Malesku Prints

Cree artist Val Malesku has been active in the Northwest Coast Native art market for more than 30 years. Best known for her distinctive hand-filed silver and gold formline jewellery, Val has a broad skill set and has been deeply involved in Haida culture and ceremony for decades. From designing button blankets to helping produce regalia, Val has always applied her creativity to a wide variety of media. In 2012, Val won an award through Vancouver International Airport and was commissioned to create a series of street banners that lined the streets heading to the airport. Later in 2012, Val produced her first limited edition print. This print, titled Salmon Eggs Unleashed, was a Northwest Coast interpretation of a pattern scheme made famous by British artist, Damien Hirst. 

Val Malesku Spring Salmon Print

Val Malesku Summer Salmon Print

In 2014, Val is continuing along this path and has produced two open edition giclée prints. A giclée is a form of high quality digital printing that allows artists to produce works with a depth and dynamism that is often difficult to attain through serigraphy. The first print that she produced this year is titled Spring Salmon, and the second print is titled Summer Salmon. Both prints measure 13" tall by 16" long and are hand-signed by the artist. In addition, both prints are retailing for $30.00 CAD and can be purchased through our sister site, Native Art Prints.