It’s the celebration of the west coast carver. From September 1st through 10th the Carving Edge Festival will be an educational celebration of the carving culture on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Members of the Ucluelet-Tofino communities and visitors alike will learn about the deep history of the west coast while observing both traditional and contemporary wood carvings and the artists who create them.
Master carvers will share stories and host family carving workshops. Browse through fine art wood carving shows and exhibits, take part in traditional canoe building demonstrations, mask making, Nuu-chah-nulth paddle-making, burl wood carving and tool making. This festival is your opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the coastal carving traditions and the talented artists behind them.
The Carving Edge Festival kicks off Saturday and Sunday with a Carving Artist Exhibition at the Shore Tofino’s Pier 1933 on the water from 10AM-5PM. This exhibition will include master carving classes, demonstrations, and art from carvers throughout Vancouver Island.
We have posted a schedule of events below. Come and join the celebration!
The Gray Team
“Carving Edge” Art Show – Sept 1-10, 11am-6pm: Showcasing the best of traditional and contemporary west coast carving arts. The Shore, #106, 368 Main Street Tofino.
Carving Artists Exhibition – Sept 1-2, 10am-5pm: Carvers Market, master classes, demonstrations and exhibitions: canoe carving, Nuu-chah-nulth paddle making, traditional designs, tool making, cedar weaving, and several carving techniques. The Shore, Pier 1933, 368 Main Street Tofino.
Master Carving Workshop: the Nuu-ch-nulth Paddle: Sept 1-3, 10am-2pm: With Tla-o-qui-aht carver Carl Martin. The Shore, Pier 1933 368 Main Street Tofino.
Slideshow & Talk ‘Origins’ – Sept 1, 7:30pm: Tla-o-qui-aht fine art carver Joe David will present slides of early collections of Nuu-chah-nulth artifacts as well as contemporary works. At the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre, 380 Main Street, Tofino.
Film: Histakshitl Ts’awaatskiwii – Sept 7, 7:30pm: (We Come From One Root) Chuuchkamalthnii will present his 2010 award winning film about the ceremonial curtains of the Nuu-chah-nulth potlatch. At the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre, 380 Main Street, Tofino.
Carving Demonstrations – Sept 8, 10am-2pm: Carving play for families at the Tofino Saturday Market, Village Green.
