UBC Okanagan Gallery’s Public Art Collection has grown with the addition of 16 new pieces of art.

The works are from seven Indigenous artists from multiple West Coast nations, spanning over half a century of artistic practice.

“The collection includes silkscreen prints and carvings that reflect the evolving art histories of contemporary Indigenous artists,” explains a UBCO release.

It’s a generous donation from Kelowna’s own Milton McLaren, a respected environmental educator and member of the Order of Canada, and his late wife Della McLaren.

According to UBCO, the dedicated collectors sought to strengthen the representation of Indigenous art within the public collection.

“On behalf of UBC Okanagan Gallery, I would like to extend our gratitude to Governor General award winner Milton McClaren and the late Della McClaren for their generosity,” says Tania Willard, gallery director.

Among the highlights of this donation is Thunderbird (1960) by Chief Henry Speck, a pioneering artist recognized for his distinctive visual style and early adoption of silkscreen printmaking.

Photo Credit: ContributedThunderbird by Chief Henry Speck (1908–1971), a vibrant Kwakwaka’wakw print from the 1960s, measuring 44 cm x 59 cm.

Here’s the full list of prominent Indigenous artists whose artwork were donated as part of the McClaren collection:

• Art Thompson (Nuu-chah-nulth Nation)
• Chief Henry Speck (Tlawit’sis, Kwakwak’awakw Nation)
• Dempsey Bob (Tahltan and Tlingit First Nations)
• Jim Johnny (Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish)
• Lyle Wilson (Haisla Nation)
• Joe Wilson (Coast Salish Nation)
• Robert Davidson (Haida and Tlingit descent)

“The addition of these works is vital in increasing the representation of Indigenous artists within our collection,” adds Willard. 

“This acquisition has nearly doubled the number of Indigenous artworks in our holdings and spans over 50 years of creative expression, from the 1960s to as recently as 2009.”

UBC Okanagan’s Public Art Collection includes over 800 works displayed in outdoor campus spaces and public buildings.

The university says they provide opportunities for learning, exhibition and critical discussion, and emphasize the role of creative practice in public life.

Artworks from the McClaren donation will be featured in exhibitions at UBC Okanagan Gallery, as well as at the school’s forthcoming downtown Kelowna campus.