Alano Edzerza facts for kids

Alano Edzerza (born in 1981 in Victoria, British Columbia) is a talented Tahltan artist and a successful business owner. He belongs to the Ganhada tribe. Alano's amazing artwork has been featured in many art shows and museums, showing off his unique style.

Alano's Early Life and Art Journey

Alano Edzerza was born in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1981. His family was very involved in the art world, so he grew up surrounded by creativity. From a young age, Alano was passionate about art. When he was just thirteen, he won his first sculpture award while attending the Victoria School Aboard.

After winning his award, Alano kept working on his art. He started showing his pieces to the public, learning a lot about Northwest Coast art from his family member, Terrance Campbell. As he grew, Alano began designing art accessories, making his art available for everyone to enjoy. He also loves to share his knowledge! Alano has worked with groups like the Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association (KAYA), where he teaches art to young people. Today, Alano lives in Downtown Vancouver, where he runs his own companies and sells his beautiful artwork.

Building a Creative Career

After his early success, Alano Edzerza continued to grow as an artist. He wanted to learn even more about making jewelry, so in 2002, he traveled to Arizona to study with another artist named Rick Charlie. Alano also started creating designs with glass, which became very popular. This success led him to design his own fashion clothing line.

In 2010, during the Olympic Games, Alano designed a special sportswear outfit for the Dutch Olympic team! He noticed that many people, both artists and others, were collecting his work. So, he decided to start his own company and an online store. This way, people could easily buy his unique art pieces.

Alano finds inspiration for his art in his family and his Tahltan heritage. He uses symbols and ideas from his ancestors and the region where his family comes from. He also likes to put his art on everyday items, like jewelry and clothing. Alano's main goal is to expand his art by creating fashion that features tribal symbols. He also wants to inspire other artists, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to build successful businesses from their talents.

Artists like Shawn Hunt have noted how unique Alano's painting style is. Alano and fellow artist Phil Gray both studied a special art style called Tsimshian form-line, which became a big part of their early careers.

Amazing Artworks by Alano

Alano Edzerza has created many incredible pieces of art. Here are some of them:

• Mosquito, made from Red Cedar wood and Acrylic paint
• Aslmon Post Earnings, crafted from Sterling Silver
• In or Out, a Limited Edition Giclee print
• Salmon Roe Pendant, made from Sterling Silver
• Chief of the Sea Box, created with Sandblasted Glass and Red Cedar wood
• Raven and the First Women, a piece using Sandblasted Glass, Red Cedar, Acrylic, and Stainless steel Standoffs
• Wise Frog-Panel, made with Sandblasted Glass, Red Cedar, Acrylic, and Stainless Steel
• Moving Forward, a Limited Edition Giclee print
• Eagle Dancer, a Serigraph print
• The Chief, a Limited Edition Giclee print
• Killerwhale Drum, a Limited Edition Giclee print
• Mosquito Drum, a Limited Edition Giclee print

Where Alano's Art Has Been Shown

Alano Edzerza's art has been featured in many important exhibitions. Here are some of them:

• "Moving Forward", at the Stonington Gallery (2015)
• "Native Fashion Now", a traveling group exhibition that visited several museums:
  • Peabody Essex Museum (2015)
  • Portland Art Museum (2016)
  • National Museum of the American Indian (2017)