Art for an Oil Free Coast
In 2012, over 50 artists, including some of Canada’s most celebrated and many of whom are First Nations – took to the language of paintbrushes and carving tools to give a voice to our fragile coast. And it worked! The Northern Gateway Project was finally rejected in 2016. Books, videos and some art pieces are still available to purchase. Your support will be directed to stopping Kinder Morgan’s project in the Salish Sea.
The artists were united in their belief that an oil spill from a supertanker would have a catastrophic impact on this remarkable region. They wanted to bring international attention to our fragile coast and believe no amount of profit is worth the risk. Led by Raincoast, with support from First Nations communities, eco-tour operators (Columbia III, MapleLeaf and Bluewater Adventures), and coastal lodges (Spirit Bear, Hakai Institute and King Pacific), on an expedition into the heart of the tanker route. The resultant artworks, film, and book are a world-class reminder of why our coast needs to remain oil free.
Once completed, over 60 pieces of art, most of which are original, paintings, carvings, sculptures, and jewellery resulted. The art was then displayed in a travelling exhibition shown throughout British Columbia and Alberta, including stops in Calgary, Canmore, Whistler, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, and Salt Spring Island. The sale of art from the auctions raised over $125,000 for the Oil-Free Coast campaign. All the works are presented in the book Canada’s Raincoast at Risk: Art for an Oil-Free Coast available in our online shop.
Although the exhibition is complete, some works are still for sale in our collection, along with others since donated. Interested collectors or galleries wishing to purchase the few remaining pieces or display the art should contact us for more details. Your support will be directed to stopping Kinder Morgan’s project in the Salish Sea.
The Artists
The Artists: Over 50 artists have come together to undertake this initiative donating 100% of their artworks and their time. Check out their bios and find out more about this amazing community.
The Book – Canada’s Raincoast at Risk: Art for an Oil-Free Coast
The art, combined with prose and poetry, has also been published in a book entitled Canada’s Raincoast at Risk: Art for an Oil-Free Coast. The Book, which features the art, as well as writings from prominent Canadian scientists is available to purchase in our online shop. The eBook for iPad is also available free from itunes.
The Film – Reflections
A shared venture of Raincoast Conservation and Strongheart Productions, Reflections is a 22 minute short documentary chronicling our Art for an Oil-Free Coast project. It shares the story of the artists’ expedition into a stunning and remote landscape, weaving together the artists’ work and their emotional response to a people and a region at risk. The purpose of this documentary is to raise public awareness around the catastrophic impact that Enbridge’s proposed pipeline will have on the British Columbian coastline. The film premiered to rave reviews at the Vancouver International Film Festival in October 2012 and has since been shown at many locations across Canada.
Laura Wasylyshen
Perry Rath
Alan Wylie
Artists sail for an oil-free coast
Initial skirmishes in the battle to save the coast
Art For an Oil-Free Coast
On guard for thee: Artists for an oil-free coast
Artists speak out against oil tankers
Artists gathering in Bella Bella
Art for an oil-free coast
Painterly protest against pipeline