Ellen Neel Show at Lattimer Gallery

Kwakwaka’wakw artist Ellen Neel, born in 1916, is well known in the Northwest Coast Native art market for a number of reasons. She was the granddaughter of Charlie James and the niece of Mungo Martin, both acclaimed artists and pole carvers. She was also the first woman to professionally carve totem poles in British Columbia, based out of her own workshop called Totem Arts Studio in Stanley Park. In addition to creating poles and masks for the tourist market, Ellen also completed many commercial commissions that both promoted Northwest Coast culture and elevated her status within the fine art market. One of these large projects took place in 1955 and involved Ellen creating five large poles for a Woodward’s Department Store in Edmonton. 

Ellen Neel Sun Mask - $3,500.00 CAD

Lattimer Gallery is proud to present a collection of rare works by the late Ellen Neel. Comprised of classic masks and exquisite model poles, this small show demonstrates Ellen’s range of skills and idiosyncratic style. A couple of the standout pieces include a large Sun mask from 1962 measuring 19 ½” x 23 ½” x 3 ½” and available for $2,400.00 CAD, and a miniature pole that is still in its original packaging, including the documentation that Ellen produced to accompany it.

Ellen Neel Mini Pole in Packaging - $200.00 CAD

This is an opportunity to own a piece of Vancouver history and to acquire a work by one of Canada’s most celebrated female artists. The show runs from April 5th – April 19th and Lattimer Gallery will be hosting an opening reception on April 5th between 2pm and 5pm. Please drop by to enjoy some refreshments and to view the works by this trailblazing First Nations artist.