The Comox Valley Art Gallery invites you to attend a storytelling session at the gallery this Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. with currently exhibiting artist George Hunt Jr. of Campbell River.
Admission to the talk is free or by donation and all ages are welcome, including families with young children.
Titled Legacy of the Queneesh, this exhibit features the carvings, paintings, drums, prints and masks of K'ómoks and Kwagu’ł artists Geary Cranmer, Sean Frank, George Hunt Jr., Stephen Hunt, Tom Hunt Jr., Charlie Johnson, and Troy Roberts from the Fort Rupert to Comox area of Vancouver Island.
In this presentation, George will describe the legends of selected artworks on display.
George Hunt Jr.’s native name is Nas-u-niz, meaning Light Beyond the World.
At an early age, George Jr. learned how to carve from his father; George Hunt Sr. George Jr. is an accomplished artist and is also a known and respected traditional dancer amongst the Tlingit, Kwakwaka’wakw and Mawachaht Nations.
He was initiated into the exclusive Hamat’sa dance society at the age of 16 by his paternal grandfather, Chief Thomas Hunt. George Jr. apprenticed with Tony Hunt, John Livingston, Calvin Hunt and Sam Henderson and has been carving since 1972.
In addition, his step great grandfather was the famous Kwakwaka’wakw carver, Mungo Martin. George’s original works of art are sought after and exist within private and public collections, as well as galleries and museums around the world. The majority of George’s pieces are extremely intricate and highly detailed.
CVAG is located at 580 Duncan Ave. in downtown Courtenay. For more information, contact 250-338-6211 or visit www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com.
— Comox Valley Art Gallery