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Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria. kate-cino@shaw.ca

Meira Mathison, Executive Director of Metchosin International School of the Arts (MISSA).

Meira has worked in clay for over thirty years and given workshops around the world. Her thrown and altered containers feature thick slips and sprayed glazes. "Clay connects me to all life," she says, "and my cherished relationships with friends and family. "Full of ideas and plans, Meira explains: "the more I work, the deeper I go.” www.meiramathison.com

The Metchosin International School of the Arts (MISSA) at Pearson College has succeeded for 26 years. "There is a lot of cross-pollination at MISSA," says Meira Mathison. "We offer classroom visits, open studios and evening lectures." MISSA's annual Celebration of the Arts Dinner on July 9, honours an arts leader from BC. "It's our way of saying thank you to the people who enrich our community," says Meira. This year the Newman family (Victor, Edith, Carey and Marion) receive the Ambassador of the Arts Award. www.missa.ca

The Power of Sound,  stained red cedar and copper by Carey Newman.  Photo by artist.

In 1996, Carey Newman opened the Blue Raven Gallery in Sooke. www.blueraven.ca

The gallery is situated on the beautiful seaside property of his parents, Victor and Edith Newman.

Daughter Marion is an opera singer based in Toronto; daughter Ellen has a degree in social work.

Edith, a teacher, homeschooled the three children. All their learning was practical and revolved around projects and household chores. "This left lots of time for creative pursuits," says Edith, "like reading, music, theatre, and art-making." All three children took piano lessons at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Marion and Carey, excelled at music and went on to study piano and voice at the university level. Ellen became an avid supporter and consumer of the arts. "It was a wonderful experience growing up in a creative family," recalls Ellen.

                     Edith Newman and Victor Newman in the Blue Raven Gallery.

Victor Newman, born in Alert Bay in 1937, has both Kwaguilth and Salish ancestry. His aunt Ellen Neel was one of the first woman carvers. Victor's award winning masks, totems, prints and jewelry are collected world-wide. Victor, a Residential School survivor, taught Indigenous arts in Victoria schools for twenty years. "Teaching was a great job," he says. "By sharing our culture, I offered self-esteem to First Nations children."

       Edith and Victor Newman enjoy their seaside property in Sooke.

Edith grew up in Victoria and met her husband while doing a teaching practicum in Alert Bay. Her heritage is a mixture of Scottish, Irish and British. Her clothing design company, Newman Ayesu Originals uses Kwagiulth motifs to create wearable and decorative art. "Working at home fostered my own and my children's creativity," she says.

Marion Newman is a mezzo-soprano who has performed as a pianist and opera singer around the world.  She applauds the Victoria Conservatory of Music for their high quality teachers and key role in developing her skills and confidence. Marion has warm memories of growing up in the small, supportive community of Sooke.

Photo: courtesy Marion Newman

Marion in her Kwagiulth button blanket and chieftains’ frontlet. Sooke 1987.       Photo: courtesy Marion Newman

"I won the family lottery," says Marion. "Our parents gave us every opportunity to develop healthy egos and our talents." Marion sings and speaks at many fundraisers and laments the lack of arts funding in Canada. "In general, artists are overlooked and underfunded," she says, "so the Ambassador Award is much appreciated." www.marionnewman.com

Carey Newman's musical path included many singing awards and a solo role with Pacific Opera Victoria. He now focuses on the production of artwork. His creations come in many styles and mediums: silver and gold jewellery, stone carvings, mounted gemstones, etched and carved glass, limited edition prints, and steel and bronze sculptures.

The Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole carved for the North American Indigenous Games. Carey, lead carver and designer of the Spirit Pole, traveled with his parents and wife Elaine to 53 BC communities. The carving of the 20 foot totem was shared by 11,000 people.

Photo by artist.

Humsumth Multiple Mask

by Carey and Victor Newman Photo by artist.

Raven Moon by Carie Newman, sandcarved glass, 48 inches. Photo by artist.

"My parents set no limitations on our pursuits," he says, "so allowed us to reach our full potential." Carey describes his parents as caring individuals, involved with community, who set a good example. Following their lead, he mentors young Aboriginal artists and is active in many public projects. "When I met my wife Elaine," says Carey, "she encouraged me to share my time and skills."

The couple are expecting their first child in September.