Roy Henry Vickers facts for kids
Roy Henry Vickers is a famous Canadian artist from the First Nations. He was born in June 1946 in a place called Laxgalts'ap, British Columbia. He is known for his unique art that blends traditional First Nations styles with his own ideas. Roy Henry Vickers also owns an art gallery in Tofino, where people can see his amazing work.
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About Roy Henry Vickers
Roy Henry Vickers is a well-known artist from Canada. He is a member of the First Nations, which are the Indigenous peoples of Canada. His art often shows the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the rich culture of his ancestors.
Early Life and Heritage
Roy Henry Vickers grew up in several places in British Columbia, including Kitkatla, Hazelton, and Victoria. His father was a fisherman and came from the Tsimshian, Haida, and Heiltsuk First Nations. His mother was a schoolteacher from England who was adopted into the Eagle clan at Kitkatla. This means Roy is also part of the Eagle clan. His grandfather was a skilled canoe-carver from Kitkatla.
Roy's art shows his mixed background. It combines many parts of the traditional art from the First Nations people of the Pacific Northwest. However, his work also has a special style that makes it unique. He became interested in Northwest Coast art partly because of an anthropologist named Wilson Duff.
Art and Important Gifts
Roy Henry Vickers' artwork has been chosen many times as an official gift from the Province of British Columbia to important visitors from other countries. For example, in 1987, his painting called A Meeting of Chiefs was given to Queen Elizabeth II. Later, in 1993, special copies of his print The Homecoming were given to Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin.
Artistic Advisor Roles
Roy Henry Vickers has also shared his artistic knowledge for big events in British Columbia. In 1994, he was an artistic advisor for the people designing the 1994 Commonwealth Games. For these Games, he also created more than 20 totem poles, which are tall carved poles with symbols and figures. From 1987 to 1995, he was also an artistic advisor for the new terminal at the Vancouver International Airport. Some of his beautiful artwork is displayed there for travelers to enjoy.
Awards and Recognition
Roy Henry Vickers has received important awards for his contributions to art and his community. In 1998, he was given the Order of British Columbia, which is a high honor in his home province. In 2006, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada, which is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive.
