I'Tusto: Rising Again

 Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery, 2926 Back Road, Courtenay, BC

Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery is honoured to present I’TUSTO Rising Again, featuring a wide selection of Northwest Coast Art by internationally renowned artist Calvin Hunt. Offering works that reflect the power of contemporary Kwakwaka’wakw art, ceremony, identity, and spirituality, this inspiring exhibition opened virtually September 5^th, 2020 with songs and dances by Calvin’s dance group, the Copper Maker Dancers.

                    

                                         

From dramatic transformation masks and dance regalia to totem poles and prints, I’TUSTO brings fresh insights to Calvin Hunt’s life-long commitment to the continuity and diversity of his cultural heritage. Descended from distinguished Kwagu’ł, Tlingit, and Mowachaht families, his Kwagu’ł name is Chief Tłasutiwalis and his Mowachaht name is Hereditary Chief Nas’a̱m’yus.

With a special invitation from Calvin Hunt, Karver Everson is included in the I’TUSTO exhibition. Under Hunt’s mentorship Everson and Randy Frank, have created four new poles in the Comox Valley. Reflecting the cultural traditions of both his K’ómoks and Kwakwakaʼwakw ancestors, Karver has created 6 dance masks to hang alongside Hunt’s in an exceptional pairing of master and mentee. 

I’TUSTO Rising Again is an apt title for an exhibition that celebrates the growth of First Nations cultural strength through art, language, ceremony, and knowledge sharing. From his Copper Maker Gallery in Fort Rupert, Calvin Hunt comments: “I enjoy sharing our culture with the world, and I feel very fortunate to have the capacity to pass on our Elders’ teachings.” 

I’TUSTO Rising Again will be presented in an innovative virtual format including the live-streamed opening celebration on Facebook at 1 p.m. PST on Saturday, September 5th, 2020. The exhibition is also open to the public—following current health and safety standards—at 2926 Back Road, Courtenay, BC. Follow us on Facebook @spiritsofthewestcoast, Instagram @spiritsofthewestcoast and Twitter @spiritsgallery for the latest news, artist talks, and exhibition features.