Stan Bevan, co-founder and instructor at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, has been awarded the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art by the BC Achievement Foundation (BCAF).
He was announced on Oct. 12, 2021 as the recipient of the Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement for his work as a renowned artist. He is credited with commencing the revival of Tlingit art and design.
Bevan was born and raised near Terrace in the nearby village of Kitselas on the Skeena River. He is of Tahltan-Tligit and Tsimshian heritage. He was trained under his uncle and renowned world-class artist, Dempsey Bob, who encouraged him to pursue an artistic career.
In 2006, Bevan was instrumental in the creation of the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art on the Terrace campus and has since led the school as one of the main instructors and program coordinator.
Bevan is part of the Bill Holm Advisory Board and is an active board member for the YVR (Vancouver International Airport) Art Foundation which oversees grants for young First Nations artists to have their work displayed at the airport. He has also served as a mentor for numerous artists who have been chosen to receive one of their grants.
His most recent significant projects has been the design of and artwork for the Kitselas Cultural and Interpretation Centre at the Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site. Additionally, he has carved many totem poles around the world, including for the Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Bevan and many of his students also contributed to the art and design elements in the new Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksat Student Building in Terrace, which opened Oct. 14, 2021.
To read more about his achievement, visit www.bcachievement.com/awardee/stan-bevan-aod/