A Richmond-based Salish artist has donated a bentwood box for a charity auction taking place in Vancouver next weekend.
The Bentwood Box Charity Auction is on display until Dec. 7 at the Vancouver Museum, with 20 bentwood boxes, each crafted by some of British Columbia’s most talented Indigenous artists.
Among them is Atheana Picha, a Salish artist from the Kwantlen First Nation, who is based in Richmond.
Picha’s contribution, titled Block Print, exemplifies her distinctive interdisciplinary approach to art. Known for her mastery of two-dimensional media, Picha’s bentwood box draws inspiration from the process of relief printmaking.
"The box reminded me of a block, which led me to think of block printing," Picha said. "Carved into the box are tools such as an arrowhead, stone maul and spindle whorl—symbols of our traditions, reflections of our teachings and reminders of the tools that shape us."
Through her donation, Picha hopes to inspire and empower Indigenous youth.
"This auction raises vital funds for programs that provide young people with the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop leadership skills," Picha said. "It’s a way for me to support Indigenous youth in gaining access to services that will help them grow and find freedom in their creative expression."
The Bentwood Box Auction directly benefits the Urban Native Youth Association’s (UNYA) Indigenous Youth Centre of Excellence, a facility dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
The auction also supports UNYA’s Overly Creative Minds program, which provides a platform for Indigenous youth to explore their artistic talents, build cultural pride and develop the skills to lead their communities.
Cheryl Robinson, CEO of UNYA, expressed her gratitude for the event.
“(Overly Creative Minds) is a transformative space where youth are not just developing as artists, but as leaders,” Robinson said. “We are so thankful to Atheana and all the artists who are generously contributing their time and talent to support our mission.”
The annual Bentwood Box Charity Event runs on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vancouver Museum, 1100 Chestnut St. The live auction runs from 5 to 6 p.m.
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