Clarence Dick facts for kids

Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux'way'lupton), born in 1946, is a well-known artist, teacher, and community leader. He is a member of the Lekwungen First Nation and lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He is especially famous for carving amazing Coast Salish totem poles.

Learning and Art Studies

Butch Dick went to various schools in Victoria and on Penelakut Island. He later studied design at the Vancouver School of Art in the 1960s. He also continued his education at Camosun College. These experiences helped him develop his artistic skills.

His Work as an Artist and Teacher

Butch Dick started his career teaching arts and culture to First Nations students. This was in the early 1980s at Shoreline Middle School. He also taught a course about Indigenous learning at the University of Victoria. Today, he is considered a Master Carver of Coast Salish totem poles. He is also an elder, or respected leader, in the Songhees First Nation community.

Public Artworks to See

Butch Dick has created many beautiful artworks that you can see in public places.

Rock Bay Mural Project

In 2014, Butch Dick helped design the Rock Bay Mural Project. This large mural is on Government and Princess streets in Victoria, BC. He worked with artist Darlene Gait on this project. It was a team effort with the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.

"Two Brothers" Spirit Poles

You can find the "Two Brothers" Spirit Poles in Spirit Square, Victoria, BC. Butch Dick created these poles with his son, Clarence Jr. They are 18 feet tall and were put up in 2009. One pole shows a traditional design by Butch Dick. The other has a more modern design by his son.

"Signs of Lekwungen" Sculpture

The "Signs of Lekwungen" is another special artwork. Butch Dick worked on this with his sons, Clarence and Bradley. It is located at 680 Montreal Street in Victoria, B.C., in Laurel Point Park. The sculpture looks like a Coast Salish spindle whorl. It was first carved from Red Cedar wood. Then, it was cast in bronze. The sculpture is about 2.5 meters tall and weighs 1000 pounds.

Where His Art is Kept

Butch Dick's artwork is so important that it is part of major collections. You can find his pieces at the British Museum. His art is also displayed at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Awards and Recognition

In 2015, Butch Dick received a special award from Leadership Victoria. He was given the lifetime achievement award. This was a very important moment. He was the first Indigenous elder to receive this honor.