Please note: this work is unframed.

Gordon Smith was born in 1919 in England and moved to Winnipeg with his family in 1933. He came to Vancouver in 1940, married Marion Fleming and joined the Canadian Army. Returning from service overseas in 1945, he continued his art education at the Vancouver School of Art, then taught at the school for a decade. He joined the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia and taught art until his retirement in 1982.

The last 30 years of his artistic career were among his most prolific. As a master of colour and line, he explored the BC landscape in a fresh and expressive style. Smith was tenacious in his work and his mentorship, gaining a reputation as one of the most highly respected artists of his time. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1996 for his significant contribution to Canadian culture.

Established in 1989 by renowned BC artist-patrons Gordon Smith, Jack Shadbolt and Bill Reid, Artists for Kids was founded with the singular intent to support children, their art education and their future. Through art specialists, it provides enriching art-making experiences for thousands of students each year across Canada as well as professional development opportunities for educators. In 1990, the group published the first Artists for Kids Limited Edition Portfolio print, Xhuwaji / Haida Grizzly. This print by Reid, based on a ceremonial drum, marked the beginning of an extraordinary partnership with now more than 100 Canadian artists—from Kenojuak Ashevak to Ian Wallace—that has produced one of the most significant limited edition collections in the country. Proceeds from the sale of prints fund educational programs, artist residencies, art camps, scholarships, bursaries, and future acquisitions for Artists for Kids and the Gordon Smith Gallery Permanent Collection.