Nancy Dawson was born in Alert Bay on northern Vancouver Island in September 1954. Her mother, Catherine Beans, was from the Mamaleleqala-awe-qwa-sot-enox nation on Village Island; and her father, Don Gesinghaus, was of German descent. Nancy credits her family for her success as an artist. Her father was a talented wood and metal worker who fashioned intricate wooden railings that both fascinated and inspired Nancy. Her mother raised Nancy in the ‘potlatch circle’ which contributed greatly to Nancy’s sound understanding of her culture. However, it was through Nancy’s efforts to develop her son’s interest and understanding of Kwagiutl art that she became inspired to begin designing. The invitation to reproduce her designs in red and yellow cedar could not, and would not be ignored. Nancy has been carving poles and masks since 1980, being invited to participate in the carving of the world’s largest totem pole which graced the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, BC.

Vincent Henson:

Vincent Henson is from the Kwa kwa k’wak Nation.

Vincent was born in Victoria, B.C. on August 12, 1992. He is a very creative and artistic artist.

Vincent has been apprenticing with his aunt, Nancy Dawson, and creating his own pieces since he was 7.




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