Emily Carr Community Festival of the Arts and Ecology: About Emily Carr

Emily Carr, B.C.'s foremost historical artist, was known for her adventurous spirit and love of First Nations art. She was a woman ahead of her time, questioning logging practices and treatment of First Nations people, traveling alone, sharing her home with a menagerie of pets, smoking and articulating unorthodox ideas. Emily Carr took her first drawing lessons at age 9. At 21, she left Victoria to study at the California School of Design in San Francisco, returning 3 years later to teach children's art classes. Later, she studied in England, Paris and Eastern Canada with the Group of Seven. In 1907, a trip to Alert Bay sparked what was to become a lifelong passion for First Nations culture - something reflected in her work throughout her career.

During Carr's lifetime, her artistic technique evolved, ultimately blending all her influences - her early training, exposure to the impressionists and the Group of Seven and her passion for nature and First Nations culture. Carr's creativity extended into writing, pottery, poetry and political cartooning. More than 60 years after her death, Carr continues to inspire young artists and writers, not just because of her body of work, but because of her independent spirit, curiosity, passion and lifelong creativity. This festival is dedicated to Emily’s legacy, which will serve as an inspiration for a new generation.


Explore the Life and Works of Emily Carr Emily Carr, B.C.'s foremost historical artist, was known for her adventurous spirit and love of First Nations art. She was a woman ahead of her time, questioning logging practices and treatment of First Nations people, traveling alone, sharing her home with a menagerie of pets, smoking and articulating unorthodox ideas. Emily Carr took her first drawing lessons at age 9. At 21, she left Victoria to study at the California School of Design in San Francisco, returning 3 years later to teach children's art classes. Later, she studied in England, Paris and Eastern Canada with the Group of Seven. In 1907, a trip to Alert Bay sparked what was to become a lifelong passion for First Nations culture - something reflected in her work throughout her career. During Carr's lifetime, her artistic technique evolved, ultimately blending all her influences - her early training, exposure to the impressionists and the Group of Seven and her passion for nature and First Nations culture. Carr's creativity extended into writing, pottery, poetry and political cartooning. More than 60 years after her death, Carr continues to inspire young artists and writers, not just because of her body of work, but because of her independent spirit, curiosity, passion and lifelong creativity. This festival is dedicated to Emily’s legacy, which will serve as an inspiration for a new generation.