NORTH VANCOUVER, BC.- Artists for Kids partnered with Heffel to present Artists for Kids: The Archival Collection. This benefit auction continues a decades-long collaboration between the two organizations. Proceeds from this auction will directly support Artists for Kids, furthering its mission to enhance children’s education within the visual arts.

Founded in 1989 by renowned British Columbia artist-patrons Gordon Smith, Jack Shadbolt, and Bill Reid, Artists for Kids was established with the singular intent of nurturing young artists and enriching their educational experiences. The organization works closely with art specialists to provide thousands of students across Canada with hands-on art-making opportunities, while also offering professional development programs for educators.

The collaboration between Artists for Kids and celebrated Canadian artists began in 1990 with the publication of the first limited edition print, Xhuwaji / Haida Grizzly by Bill Reid, inspired by a ceremonial drum. Since then, more than 100 artists, including Kenojuak Ashevak and Ian Wallace, have contributed to this remarkable collection—one of the most significant limited edition portfolios in the country. Sales of these prints have played a vital role in funding art education programs, artist residencies, art camps, scholarships, bursaries, and acquisitions for the Artists for Kids collection housed at the Gordon Smith Gallery.

This latest auction with Heffel offers collectors and art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional works while directly supporting the future of art education in Canada. Acquiring an Artists for Kids Limited Edition is not only an investment in Canadian artists and art education, but in building community and understanding through art.

Artists for Kids is a unique art education program supported by the community at large and the North Vancouver School District in British Columbia. In partnership with more than 70 of Canada's most prominent artists, Artists for Kids brings together artists, educators, children and youth, to provide inspiring, highly relevant educational experiences and enrichment for thousands of young people and educators annually, fostering children and youth to pursue and share their own artistic voice and narrative.