A recent Port Hardy Secondary School grad was awarded a scholarship from the YVR Art Foundation last month that will assist him in his artistic ambitions.
Thomas Wamiss Jr., of the Quatsino First Nation in Coal Harbour, was presented the $5,000 scholarship at a reception on May 31 at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The 18-year-old plans to attend the Emily Carr University Summer Institute to mentor with hereditary chief William "Wa" Wasden, a noted Kwakwaka'wakw artist and singer from Alert Bay. Wamiss will study the traditional art forms of carving, painting and copper etching. He plans to carve and paint a transformation mask.
The YVR Art Foundation scholarships are awarded annually to help B.C. First Nations youth develop their artistic potential in woodcarving, weaving, jewelry design, printmaking, or other traditional art forms. The winners receive $5,000 throughout the following year to help them produce their art project.