Description
Bid on an item for the Painter's Palate Fundraiser for 2026!
ITEM UP FOR AUCTION (Scroll to the bottom of this page to place your bid):
Artist: Will Henderson - Carving
Medium: Kwakwaka'wakw Carver
Estimated Value: $500
Biography:
Kwakwaka'wakw carver William Henderson Jr. was born and raised in Campbell River, BC. William comes from a culturally devoted family and began carving at age 24. His role models are his grandfather, renowned Master Carver Sam Henderson Sr., who comes from Nak'waxda'xw at Blunden Harbour, his father, renowned Master Carver Bill Henderson, and his older cousin Junior Henderson.
In recent years, William has created pieces for use during traditional potlatch ceremonies, and enjoys watching his carvings come alive through song and dance. William was initiated through his father Bill into the sacred Hamatsa society at age 27, and actively participates in feasts and potlatches hosted by his family — keeping culture alive through dance, singing, and rigging up masks for dancers.
Following in his father's footsteps of always giving back, William volunteers weekly at the local preschool to help lead children in song and dance, and frequents his own children's classrooms to share masks and traditional songs. William tells stories through his skills as a carver and will continue to follow his heart and carve.
Sample artwork:
Description
Bid on an item for the Painter's Palate Fundraiser for 2026!
ITEM UP FOR AUCTION (Scroll to the bottom of this page to place your bid):
Artist: Will Henderson - Carving
Medium: Kwakwaka'wakw Carver
Estimated Value: $500
Biography:
Kwakwaka'wakw carver William Henderson Jr. was born and raised in Campbell River, BC. William comes from a culturally devoted family and began carving at age 24. His role models are his grandfather, renowned Master Carver Sam Henderson Sr., who comes from Nak'waxda'xw at Blunden Harbour, his father, renowned Master Carver Bill Henderson, and his older cousin Junior Henderson.
In recent years, William has created pieces for use during traditional potlatch ceremonies, and enjoys watching his carvings come alive through song and dance. William was initiated through his father Bill into the sacred Hamatsa society at age 27, and actively participates in feasts and potlatches hosted by his family — keeping culture alive through dance, singing, and rigging up masks for dancers.
Following in his father's footsteps of always giving back, William volunteers weekly at the local preschool to help lead children in song and dance, and frequents his own children's classrooms to share masks and traditional songs. William tells stories through his skills as a carver and will continue to follow his heart and carve.
Sample artwork: