Art Thompson

Art Thompson was born in 1948 in the village of Whyac on the southern end of Nitinat Lake. He belonged to the Ditidaht Band of the Nuu‑chah‑nulth Nation. From an early age, he formed a strong connection to his culture after his initiation into the Tlukwalla society. His paternal grandfather encouraged his artistic interests and taught him the history, songs, and dances of their people. After he graduated from residential school in 1964—ending nine painful years—Art became a vocal advocate for justice for other survivors.

A major turning point in his artistic life came in 1970 when he met fellow Nuu‑chah‑nulth artists Joe David and Ron Hamilton. Their influence deepened his understanding of West Coast art traditions. Between 1970 and 1972, Art studied fine arts at Camosun College. He later continued at the Emily Carr Institute in Vancouver, where he explored two‑ and three‑dimensional forms. During this time, he began creating the bold silkscreen prints that define much of his legacy.

Art drew on a wide range of coastal artistic styles and developed a distinctive interpretation of Nuu‑chah‑nulth design. He created large dance screens that later became serigraphs, along with prints inspired by drum‑head imagery. His work appears in major public collections, including the Museum of Civilization in Quebec, the Royal BC Museum, the Canadian High Commission in Singapore, and Stanford University.

Art Thompson passed away in March 2003, leaving behind a powerful and influential body of work.