The YVR Art Foundation has awarded $5,000 scholarships to eight B.C. First Nations artists as part of its 2014 YVR Foundation Scholarship Awards.

The YVR Art Foundation was founded in 1993, and awards are given out every year to help foster the development of artistic talent in First Nations communities. Six awards were given to youths, and two additional scholarships were given to artists 27 and older who are interested in boosting their careers or extending their work into new areas.

The youth artist scholarships went to Kelli Clifton of Terrace (Tsimshian), Charlene Johnny-Wadsworth of West Vancouver (Cowichan), George Lawson of North Vancouver (Gitxan), Raven Pearson LeBlanc of Vancouver (Haida), Sage Paul of Brentwood Bay (WSÁNEĆ), and Skil Jaadee White of Masset (Haida).

The mid-career artist scholarship recipients are Landon Gunn of Marysville (wakwaka’wakw and Metis) and Luke Parnell of Vancouver (Haida and Nisga’a).

“The YVR Art Foundation would like to congratulate this group of young talented First Nations artists who were selected as our 2014 scholarship winners,” Stuart Rush, president of the YVR Art Foundation, said in a news release issued May 28. “These awards are testaments to their strong desire and determination to excel in their artistic field. We are pleased to help them realize their vision and provide the opportunity to pursue their art education.”

The artists were selected by a jury of three senior First Nations artists. The $5,000 scholarships are to be used over the next year by studying with a mentor or at a formal art institution.

On May 30, all eight artists were celebrated at the annual YVRAF awards reception at the Vancouver International Airport. The event also showcased the projects that the 2013 scholarship recipients worked on with their funding.

Next year, the 2014 award recipients will have their work displayed in the airport.