Olea Marion Davis facts for kids

Olea Marion Davis (born May 20, 1899 – died 1977) was a talented Canadian artist. She was known for her work in many areas, including sculpture, pottery, and decorative art for buildings. Her amazing sculptures and pottery were shown in big cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Edmonton.

Her art even traveled internationally! It was displayed at the Brussels World Fair (also known as Expo '58) in 1958 and the Ostende International Show in 1959. Olea Davis also designed beautiful pieces for famous buildings, like decorative grills and light fixtures for the Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her art is so important that it's part of the permanent collection at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Early Life and Learning

Olea Davis was born in Buffalo, New York, but her parents were Canadian. She first earned a diploma in Physical Education from McGill University.

After that, she decided to follow her passion for art. She studied at several well-known art schools. These included the École des beaux-arts in Montreal and the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) in Toronto.

She also learned at the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art and Design). There, she was taught by a famous Canadian sculptor named Charles Marega.

In 1926, Olea married Henry Landerkin Roy Davis. Soon after, they moved from Quebec to British Columbia.

Amazing Art Projects

Hotel Vancouver Designs

In 1939, Olea Davis was one of several artists asked to create decorations for the grand Hotel Vancouver. The Vancouver Art Gallery suggested her work to the hotel's architects.

Olea was chosen to design special ornamental grills for the hotel. She first made models out of clay and plaster. These models were then sent to a factory called a foundry. There, metal versions of her designs were made in large numbers.

These beautiful metal grills and light fixtures were placed high on the walls in many of the hotel's large public rooms and hallways. The hotel's decoration had to be finished quickly. Everything needed to be ready by May 1939 for the Royal Visit. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were stopping in Vancouver during their tour.

Other artists who worked on the Hotel Vancouver project included:

• Charles Marega: A sculptor and Olea's former teacher at the Vancouver School of Art.
• Beatrice Lennie: A painter and sculptor who created a sculpture called Ascension.
• Valentine Shabief: A Russian sculptor.
• Lilias Farley: A painter and sculptor who made two murals with bronze details.

The main architect overseeing the Hotel Vancouver's decoration was John Schofield.

Pier B.C. Decorations

For Pier B.C., Olea Davis created decorative rosettes. These were added to the building as pretty details for the chains that supported the marquee (a canopy over the entrance).

Founding the Potter's Guild

Olea Davis was a strong supporter of pottery and ceramic arts in British Columbia. She wanted to help artists improve their skills and share their work.

In 1955, she founded the BC Potter's Guild and became its first president. Through the Guild, she started summer art schools. She also invited famous potters from across North America to teach workshops.

Olea encouraged other artists to enter their work in international art shows. She continued to work with the Guild until she passed away in 1977. To honor her efforts, the Olea Davis Memorial Award was created in 1978.

Teaching Art

For many years, Olea Davis taught art at the University of British Columbia. She worked in the Fine Arts Division of their Extension Department.

From the early 1950s until 1969, Olea was in charge of the UBC Pottery Hut. She taught many pottery courses there. These classes even included lessons from famous international ceramic artists.

Other Contributions

During WWII, Olea Davis founded the Allied Officers Guild in British Columbia.

In 1964, she attended the First World Congress of Craftsmen. This big event was held at Columbia University in New York. Artists from 47 countries attended. Olea was one of thirty delegates from Canada. She represented both the Canadian Handicrafts Guild and the Canadian Guild of Potters.

Art Shows and Exhibitions

Olea Davis's work was shown in several important exhibitions:

• Canadian Ceramics '67 in Montreal.
• The Vancouver Art Gallery.
• The UBC Fine Arts Gallery.

Awards and Recognition

In 1937, Olea Davis won a medal for her sculpture. This award was given at the B.C. Artists' Exhibition, held at the Vancouver Art Gallery.