Art Bolton oral history
Video
Image
Video
Audio
Activities
Think
Now that you have listened to the stories of these Survivors and explored the art they produced during their time at residential school, reflect on how these stories and artworks have changed you.
What does it mean to you to have heard these individual stories and truths?
What kind of feelings and emotions are you experiencing? Are you inspired? Angry? Shocked? Ashamed? Sad?
How might these feelings inspire you to act or think differently about Canada and reconciliation?
Do
Consider a way to share what you have witnessed through looking at the art and watching the Survivor’s video.
Share what you have witnessed with a friend or family member.
Write a paragraph or journal entry about what you have seen, felt and heard while listening to the Survivors’ stories.
Create a piece of art that responds to what you have witnessed.
Details
Historical Context
Choose one of the three levels below to match your needs.
- Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
- Art’s parents died when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7.
- His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
- He is now a professional artist and teacher himself.
Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
In this oral history interview, Art describes growing up at the Alberni Indian Residential School. Art’s parents had passed away when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7. When he returned to his reserve 11 years later, he felt like a stranger in his home community.
He continued with art as an adult, studying under renowned West Coast artist George Clutesi. His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
In this oral history interview, Art describes growing up at the Alberni Indian Residential School. Art’s parents had passed away when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7. When he returned to his reserve 11 years later, he felt like a stranger in his home community.
Art used Robert Aller’s art class to overcome the abuse he experienced at the school. He pursued an artistic practice as an adult, studying under renowned West Coast artist George Clutesi. His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
“It kind of gives you an emotional feeling when you see it; like the copy is hanging on my wall in my apartment, and I showed my grandson and my grandkids, this is what I did when I was 10 years old.”
- Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
- Art’s parents died when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7.
- His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
- He is now a professional artist and teacher himself.
Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
In this oral history interview, Art describes growing up at the Alberni Indian Residential School. Art’s parents had passed away when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7. When he returned to his reserve 11 years later, he felt like a stranger in his home community.
He continued with art as an adult, studying under renowned West Coast artist George Clutesi. His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
In this oral history interview, Art describes growing up at the Alberni Indian Residential School. Art’s parents had passed away when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7. When he returned to his reserve 11 years later, he felt like a stranger in his home community.
Art used Robert Aller’s art class to overcome the abuse he experienced at the school. He pursued an artistic practice as an adult, studying under renowned West Coast artist George Clutesi. His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
“It kind of gives you an emotional feeling when you see it; like the copy is hanging on my wall in my apartment, and I showed my grandson and my grandkids, this is what I did when I was 10 years old.”
Summary
- Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
- Art’s parents died when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7.
- His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
- He is now a professional artist and teacher himself.
Essential
Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
In this oral history interview, Art describes growing up at the Alberni Indian Residential School. Art’s parents had passed away when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7. When he returned to his reserve 11 years later, he felt like a stranger in his home community.
He continued with art as an adult, studying under renowned West Coast artist George Clutesi. His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
In-Depth
Art Bolton is Tsimshian, from Terrace, British Columbia.
In this oral history interview, Art describes growing up at the Alberni Indian Residential School. Art’s parents had passed away when he was 6 years old. He was sent to the residential school at the age of 7. When he returned to his reserve 11 years later, he felt like a stranger in his home community.
Art used Robert Aller’s art class to overcome the abuse he experienced at the school. He pursued an artistic practice as an adult, studying under renowned West Coast artist George Clutesi. His painting reflects some of his early influences from Aller — he describes Aller’s advice to “hide” things in his work.
“It kind of gives you an emotional feeling when you see it; like the copy is hanging on my wall in my apartment, and I showed my grandson and my grandkids, this is what I did when I was 10 years old.”