Kelly Robinson

Kelly Robinson was born in 1981 in Nanaimo, BC and is of Nuxalk and Nuu-chah-nulth descent. His family origins are rooted in Bella Coola, BC. At an early age Kelly was introduced to Northwest Coast artwork and has always been interested in learning and refining his art practice.

Kelly is formally educated in Northwest Coast art and jewelry, having graduated from the Northwest Coast Jewelry Program at the Native Education College in Vancouver, BC in 2010, and the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in Terrace, BC in 2012. He has apprenticed under his uncle, Alvin Mack, to learn traditional Nuxalk design. He has apprenticed under Haida artist Jim McGuire, to continue developing his design skills and learn more about the art market. He was also mentored by Nuu-chah-nulth artists Gordon Dick and Tim Paul to familiarize himself with his Nuu-chah-nulth roots. Other notable mentors include Ron Hamilton, Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan and Ken McNeil.

In 2019, Kelly was awarded the YVR Art Foundation Mid-Career Artist Scholarship for his contributions to Indigenous art in BC. In 2020, he won the BC Achievement Fulmer Award in First Nations Art. His work is held in collections around the globe.