Morgan Mallett’s unique and varied design practice reflects her eclectic background in graphic design and illustration. Her studio Design + Conquer (DC) is best described as a breakaway design faction. Charting new territory through the use and creation of innovative materials and methods, DC’s work blurs design disciplines. All of the garments in DC’s Sewless collection are made from sustainable Portuguese cork fabric using tabs, slits and scoring instead of traditional sewing methods. Morgan’s cross-disciplinary and collaborative design practice leads the way as her accessories and garment designs have been featured in editorials, retail stores, and museums around the world.
Award Year: 2019
Sholto Scruton
With an educational background in painting, sculpture and industrial design Sholto Scruton’s work is always practical, ethical and poetic. He is a seasoned furniture maker, having learned from his father, uncle and grandfather. Since 2001, Sholto has been dedicated to designing exceptional furniture and public installations. His career includes beautifully detailed wooden furniture, customized metal structures for public spaces, and exciting and engaging pieces for museum exhibitions. The focus of Sholto’s work is on people and how they use and interact with their environment. His commitment to social and environmental responsibility is apparent in all his projects, as he uses local crafts people along with regionally sourced natural materials to achieve a beautiful and intended design integration.
McCauley Wanner & Ryan Palibroda
Victoria based McCauley Wanner and Ryan Palibroda, of Alleles Design Studio, create prosthetic covers for amputees transforming something mechanical into something “mechani-chic”. McCauley has a background in industrial design/ux/fashion, while Ryan has a background in fine art and architecture. The duo met while completing graduate degrees at the University of Calgary in 2011 and based their business on McCauley’s Industrial Design thesis. The result is unique and beautiful prosthetic covers that are individual works of art, as well as a life-changing product that goes beyond regaining functionality. Their goal is to help clients fulfill an emotional need while regaining confidence through self- expression from the custom designed pieces. McCauley and Ryan have received international recognition through museum exhibitions and fashion shows for their innovative methodology and commitment to the environment.
Gus Cook
Gus Cook is a respected repoussé and chasing artist from the Namgis community, which is part of Kwakwaka’wakw nation. Repoussé and chasing are ancient techniques which involve forms of sculpting 3-D pieces out of flat sheet metal by hammering both sides of the metal. From a young age, Gus was encouraged by his mother and father to work hard, be proud and take care of his surroundings. Mentored closely by his brother and fellow artist Rande Cook, Gus has combined skill and artistry with his work ethic, to create beautiful jewellery, frontlets, rattles, spoons and plates.
Henry Green
Tsm’syen artist Wii Gwinaalth, (Henry Green), has an extensive record of multi-disciplinary practices in a variety of mediums and has been involved in local and international exhibitions. Henry’s art embodies a spiritual process and his work is guided by blending Tsm’syen mythology with historical, ideological and modern references. He credits Haida artists Freda Diesing and her nephew, Don Yeomans, for stimulating his interest in the arts and in woodcarving. Henry’s artistic practice includes the training of over 400 apprentices and mentoring many young artists, therefore ensuring the continuance of Tsm’syen cultural knowledge and traditions for future generations.
Maynard Johnny Jr.
Coast Salish artist, Maynard Johnny Jr., has been drawing portraits of his family and replicating comics since early childhood. His exploration of First Nations Art began at age 17 when he designed and created his first painting on a seven-foot by three-foot door skin panel. Primarily self-taught, Maynard has been influenced by accomplished artists and has expanded his reach significantly, designing logo and identity pieces for organizations, movie sets and television series. An internationally recognized artist, Maynard’s work continues to share the beauty of Coast Salish art through graphic painting, wood, glass, large metal sculptures and precious metals.
Doreen Manuel
A member of the Neskonlith First Nation, Doreen learned traditional beading from her grandmother. Her mother was also an intricate bead artist who taught Doreen that she should learn to bead well so she could use her work, when necessary, to provide for her family. Now Doreen beads for her love of the art, carrying on the legacy of her traditions with future generations. Doreen is the sixth child of Grand Chief Dr. George Manuel and spiritual leader Marceline Manuel and comes from a long line of Indigenous oral historians and storytellers.
Michelle Stoney
The recipient of this year’s Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist Award, Michelle Stoney incorporates the traditions of her two distinct First Nations cultures: form line from her Gitxsan heritage and bright colours with black outlines from her Cree heritage. Recently painted murals in her hometown of Hazleton, as well as in Terrace and Vancouver reflect Michelle’s innovative painting style as well as her goal to create unique First Nations art. In addition, Michelle has been learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making from established artists and contributing positively to the future of First Nations Art.
The Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist designation was established in 2016. Named in honour of Brenda Crabtree, Director, Aboriginal Programs, Emily Carr University and the late Bill McLennan (1948-2020), Curator Emeritus, UBC Museum of Anthropology, this recognition aims to highlight and support emerging talent.
Gordon Hutchens
Gordon Hutchens first became intrigued with pottery at the age of 14 during a visit to Japan where he watched potters at work and saw the revered position of pottery in that culture. Following this path, Gordon studied ceramics at the University of Illinois and, for the last 46 years, he has gained a reputation as a master of his craft in British Columbia. Gordon is also an esteemed instructor sharing his knowledge throughout the province, across Canada and internationally through classes, workshops and exhibitions. Since 1999 he has taught ceramics at North Island College, School of Fine Art and Design. Based on Denman Island, Gordon produces a variety of work from sculptural to functional and utilizes an extremely broad range of techniques. His studio is open to the public where museum quality pieces among more utilitarian works can be viewed. Gordon formulates and blends all his own clay bodies using many different clays from across North America as well as clay from his own property. His work is well known for the depth and diversity of his glazes and the strength and refinement of his forms. Gordon’s pottery allows everyday objects to transcend their practical nature with magic and beauty.
Janet Johnston
Janet Johnston is a dedicated resident of the community of Stewart who is well known for her activism and volunteer contributions. A compassionate voice for LGBTQ2 rights and advocacy, Janet has also provided services as a foster parent, fundraised for the Canadian Cancer Society, acted as Unit Chief for the BC Ambulance service and supported the Parent’s Resource Institute for Drug Education. In addition to her work as Librarian for the Bear Valley School, Janet chairs the Stewart Historical Society and volunteers with the Stewart Food Bank, local Cubs Chapter, figure skating and minor hockey clubs.