Donors

Image credit: Carson Wronko

George and Christiane Smyth began their collection of contemporary Coast Salish art in 1999, with the purchase of two prints and a round glass top table by Susan Point. Soon the collection, known as the Salish Weave Collection, grew in number, but the couple made sure that all the art was bought within a 100-mile radius. Twenty pieces of this installation are from the Salish Weave Collection, including: Swan Drum by Chris Paul, Thunderbird and Killerwhale by lessLIE, Answer to the Call by Maynard Johnny Jr., Over Black Tusk by Susan Point, Four Serpents by lessLIE, Sun, Salmon, Frogs and Ravens by lessLIE, Conservation by Chris Paul, Thunderbird Paddle by Maynard Johnny Jr. and Salish Community by lessLIE. The Smyths find it important to highlight the renaissance that is occurring in Coast Salish art, and have donated 20 pieces to the Cornett building in order to “bring awareness of this art form within the walls of an institution of knowledge and learning.” This collection donated to the University of Victoria Art Collections is in memory of Dr. Paul Morgan Baker, a friend of the Smyths as well as a long time professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Victoria.