District of West Vancouver has hired Capilano Reserve artist Stan Joseph to repair the Welcome Figure totem pole at the Ambleside Park.
Carved by Joseph in 2001, the Welcome Figure at Ambleside Park was a gift from the Squamish Nation to the citizens of West Vancouver. The 16-foot-high totem pole was carved at Mosquito Creek Marina from an old growth cedar log.
While the welcome figure was rundown by elements over the years, last year’s storm caused extensive damage to the totem pole. “The location of this totem pole at the very end of a beach groyne makes this piece more susceptible to damage at its foundation with king tides and storms,” notes a District report.
A renowned artist from the Capilano Reserve, Stan Joseph has 50 years of experience in carving and restoring many private collections, totem poles, artifacts, native drum creation & designs, and logos. He has restored the Capilano Suspension Bridge Totem poles, four large poles on the Capilano Reserve, and recently restored two poles for Seaspan.
The request for $50,000 to cover the costs of restoration repairs to the Welcome Figure totem pole will be transferred from the Public Art Reserve Fund, which has adequate funds, District says.
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