Haida carver exhibit in Edmonds
Published 6:15 am Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation and the Edmonds Arts Commission present a joint exhibit of work by Haida master carver Ralph Bennett through April 29.
Bennett, a Duvall resident, is a sixth generation Haida master woodcarver whose works are carried by galleries throughout the west. For the past 28 years, Bennett has contributed to the ethnic and cultural heritage of Washington by creating and sharing traditional Haida storytelling and carving.
During his five years as an artist-in-residence in Slough House, a King County Park located in Redmond, he carved his own work on-site and taught his skills to others, mentoring many wood carving students. He developed cultural education programs for thousands of visitors to the park. His goal “to inspire others to look into their own cultures… so they can begin to find dignity and spiritual pride in their own heritage,” is being instilled into four apprentices who use the carving and storytelling traditions he taught them to carry on their own traditions.
Bennett’s work is on display in the EAFF Gallery and the EAC Display Case at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., Edmonds. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information call 425-771-0228 or 771-0230.
