Gerry Marks facts for kids

Gerry Marks is a talented First Nations artist from Canada. He is part of the Haida nation, which is known for its rich artistic traditions.

Gerry grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. His grandfather, John Marks, was also a respected Haida artist. This means art was a big part of his family life.

Becoming an Artist

Gerry Marks began his journey as an artist in 1971. He studied with a famous Haida carver named Freda Diesing. He learned from her in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Later, he continued his studies in Hazelton, British Columbia. These experiences helped him develop his skills in traditional Haida art.

Carving a Totem Pole

In 1977, Gerry Marks worked on a very special project. He teamed up with another artist, Francis Williams. Together, they carved a large totem pole. This totem pole was 25 feet tall! They created it in Masset, which is an important ancestral village for the Haida people. Masset is located on the Queen Charlotte Islands, also known as Haida Gwaii. Carving a totem pole is a significant artistic and cultural achievement for Haida artists.