b. 1948, Whyac, Nitinaht Indian Reserve, British Columbia
First Nations Affiliation: Nuu-chah-nulth

Art Thompson has made a distinguished contribution to revitalizing the once-thought extinct arts of his Nuu-chah-nulth nation, which hybridized the antique Wakashan style with the northern graphic style. In 1967, he enrolled in the commercial art programme at Camosun College, Victoria, British Columbia, specializing in two-dimensional mediums. Yet more important was his 1970 meeting with fellow Nuu-chah-nulth artists Joe David and Ron Hamilton, the latter possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of west coast traditional art. Thompson has since carried out his own scholarly research and examination of museum objects, and is particularly noted for excelling in bold, saturated serigraphs. In addition to his activities as a carver, printmaker, and silversmith, Thompson has increasingly contributed to his community as a tribal band leader, singer, and ceremonial dancer. Recent commissions include work for the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, and the British Columbia Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.


R E C E N T   E X H I B I T I O N S

S E L E C T E D   C O L L E C T I O N S

Heritage Center Inc. Collection, Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia, Washington

S E L E C T E D   B I B L I O G R A P H Y

Canadian Museum of Civilization, ed. In the Shadow of the Sun: Perspectives on Contemporary Native Art. Hull, Québec: The Museum, 1993.

"Heartbreaking childhood didn't crush carver's spirit." Vancouver Sun, 24 July 1995, p. C2.

Hall, Edwin, Margaret Blackman, and Vincent Rickard. Northwest Coast Indian Graphics: An Introduction to Silkscreen Prints. Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Press, 1981.

Holm, Bill. The Box of Daylight: Northwest Coast Indian Art. Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Press, 1983.

Holm, Denise. "Native dozen collaborate on furniture art for U.Vic." Victoria Times-Colonist, 26 October 1993, p. B1.

Macnair, Peter, Alan Hoover, and Kevin Neary. The Legacy: Tradition and Innovation in Northwest Coast Indian Art. Vancouver, British Columbia: Douglas & McIntyre, 1984. Originally published: Victoria, BC: British Columbia
Provincial Museum, 1980.

McMaster, Gerald, and Lee-Ann Martin, eds. INDIGENA: Contemporary Native Perspectives. Vancouver, British Columbia: Douglas & McIntyre, 1992./ INDIGENA: Perspectives autochtones contemporaines. Hull, Québec: Musée canadien des civilisations, 1992.

Stewart, Hilary. Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast. Vancouver, British Columbia: Douglas & McIntyre, 1979.