Alvin Allison

Cultural Background: Haida from Prince Rupert, BC

Alvin was born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, in 1959. He is a self-taught artist who works in gold, silver, wood and argillite.

Alvin is a member of the Haida nation, a group who inhabits the Queen Charlotte Islands, also known as Haida Gwaii, located along the northern coast of the province.

Beginning his career as an artist in 1971, Alvin has been counseled by distinguished colleagues such as Dempsey Bob, Freda Diesing, Bill Reid, Robert Davidson and Don Yeomans. Alvin has established himself as a prominent artist whose style reflects intricacy, experience and quality. Currently he is putting most of his time toward carving jewelry pieces that are sought-after by many Northwest Coast Native art collectors.

Alvin is one of the many Haida artists who, through maintaining the traditional Haida carving style, is aiming to preserve his heritage for future generations.