May 29th – June 22nd, 2025

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 31st, 2pm – 4pm

BRADLEY HUNT & Family | New Directions: Contemporary Heiltsuk Paintings

Drawing from traditional Heiltsuk box designs, crest figures, and other Heiltsuk cosmologies, as well as from contemporary and western art traditions, Bradley Hunt presents a collection that represents the continued evolution of his career as a professional artist. Beginning his artistic career in 1965, Hunt spent time as a designer making silkscreen prints, before dedicating himself to learning the craft of carving wood and metals. Known for his large sculptures and red cedar wall panels, Hunt has recently transitioned to painting on wood panels. Of the recent evolution of his art form, Hunt states that he has been “inspired reconnecting with my roots of painting”, and that he is “enjoying being able to use the traditional and ancient art forms of my people in this endeavor.” Highlighting this new phase of his work, the exhibition New Directions: Contemporary Heiltsuk Paintings features these paintings and a variety of pen and ink or pencil drawings; as well as works by several of Hunt’s family members. 

Bradley Hunt is a senior working artist originally from Waglisla (Bella Bella), living on the Sunshine Coast, BC. He is a recipient of the British Columbia Achievement Award, for his contributions to the art form of the people of the Northwest Coast. Hunt trained in sculpture and painting at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University) before transferring to UBC and receiving a Bachelor of Education with a double Art Major in 1973. After working as an Elementary school teacher, Hunt began his full-time artistic career in 1983. Hunt’s work has been exhibited at a variety of galleries and museums in British Columbia, as well as in Ontario and Oregon. Major works of his include panels at UBC, totem poles in Whistler BC and Okinawa Japan, and the bronze sculpture “Grandmother Eagle”. He has taught workshops in carving and print design, and worked with school and youth groups from Sechelt Elementary and the Shíshálh Nation in the creation of totem poles. He is a teacher and mentor to other artists, including his sons Shawn and Dean Hunt. 

Check out our YouTube Channel to see a video of this exhibition!