“Current major forces, both in education and in our society, tend to ignore the value and contribution of art. We must, more than ever, support and encourage the arts in everyday life.” – G. A. Smith 

Gordon Smith (1919 – 2020) was a celebrated Canadian artist whose work can be seen in important collections such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC., and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. Throughout his career, Gordon Smith believed in the value of supporting art education for youth. This dedication to the arts led Gordon to mentor young artists including some of today’s most influential names in contemporary Canadian art. He found great satisfaction in uniting the community through his art. For the better part of his long life, he was able to find time to mentor young artists and give painting lessons to children in his neighbourhood.  

Many often remark that Gordon’s wife Marion had two careers – as a celebrated social worker and as Gordon’s boss. Her opinion and great eye for art influenced Gordon, he always asked her opinion on his latest work. Her career in Social Services for the City of Vancouver was marked by her strong belief that supporting the arts created healthy communities. Marion’s dedication to visual arts education at all levels made lasting contributions to the cultural life of this province. 

Together, their tireless work and dedication over the past 50 years has strongly influenced the progression of Canadian art and helped to shape the lives of thousand of young artists. It is this legacy that is continued at the Smith Foundation, to nurture and develop a love of the arts in our communities: 

Funding the arts to ensure the continued success of Artist for Kids, the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art, and our public programming. 

Curating innovative and world-class exhibitions of contemporary Canadian art and manage the Artists for Kids permanent collection that exemplifies our diverse artistic and cultural heritage. 

Engaging our community through public programming that connects our audience with art beyond the exhibition, in a truly interdisciplinary experience.