Current exhibitions
GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕac̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap
April 16 – July 26, 2025
Legacy Downtown | 630 Yates St.
Lekwungen territory
GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap is an exploration of the life and legacy of artist, activist, and scholar George Clutesi. His life’s work left an indelible mark on the preservation and celebration of the Nuu-chah-nulth community’s cultural traditions and customs. Featuring an extensive collection of Clutesi’s artworks, the exhibition further honours his legacy through striking displays of archival photographs and news accounts, a documentary film about his long-lasting impact for residential school Survivors, and artworks from contemporary Nuu-chah-nulth artists and scholars inspired by Clutesi’s activism and scholarship.
Participating artists include Hjalmer Wenstob (Tla-o-quiaht), Timmy Masso (Tla-o-quiaht), Marika Swan (Tla-o-quiaht), and Petrina Dezall (Mowachaht/Muchalaht). Participating University of Victoria scholars are Dr. Dawn Smith (Ehattesaht) and Dr. Tommy Happynook (Huu-ay-aht).
The name of the exhibition, written in the c̓išaaʔatḥ language, honours Clutesi’s many celebrated traits: ḥašaḥʔap (keep, protective) / ʔaapḥii (generous) / ʕac̓ik (talented) / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ (strong willed) / ʔiiḥmisʔap (treasure).
Image: George Clutesi, The Storm, 1959, oil on canvas, private collection.
Exhibition Partners:
Visual Stories Lab Curatorial Collective: Andrea Naomi Walsh, Jennifer Claire Robinson, India Rael Young, and Raey Lee Costain (Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria).
Exhibition Supporters:
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Everything is Special: A Celebration of Queer and Trans+ materials from the University of Victoria Libraries Special Collections & University Archives and University Art Collections
June 2, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Legacy Maltwood Gallery | Mearns Centre for Learning – McPherson Library
University of Victoria | lək̓ʷəŋən Territory
What’s special about Queer and Trans+ artists’ books, zines, and multiples? Everything. From one-of-a-kind limited editions to unique historical items, the University of Victoria Libraries Special Collections & University Archives and University Art Collections is not only home to the world’s largest collection of Trans+ archival materials, but also a range of printed matter, DIY creations, art, and ephemera representing Queer and Trans+ people and activism from a diversity of creators and communities.
As part of the inaugural Queer Island Festival of the Arts, it’s extra special for UVic Libraries and University Art Collections to be part of a larger conversation with other community partners and organizations, to show our colours and our Pride!
Curated by Michael Radmacher, Transgender Archives Metadata Librarian; Caroline Riedel, Interim Director, Legacy Art Galleries and University Art Collections; Lara Wilson Director, Special Collections & University Archivist and Christine Walde, Fine Arts Librarian, with Heather Dean, Associate Director of Special Collections.
Exhibition is open during regular library hours.
Image: Self Portrait, Joe Average, 1997.
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Located on campus, First Peoples House displays artwork from the university's collection through rotating exhibitions.
Walking in Spirit: Francis and Beau Dick
March 1, 2024 — November 2025
First People’s House | UVic Campus
Lekwungen Territory
Before his passing in 2017, cousins Beau and Francis Dick frequently talked about exhibiting their work together. This exhibition seeks to honour that wish and to foster a deeper connection to their relationship as parallel artists and family.
Walking in Spirit is an intimate display of serigraphs by Beau and Francis from the late 1970s to early 2000s, that explore the incredible cultural teachings of their artworks.
Curated by Teresa Sammut with Lorilee Wastasecoot.
Image: Francis Dick, Spiritual Truth, serigraph, 1998.
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