Legendary artist, storyteller, author and sought-after keynote speaker Roy Henry Vickers, designed his eponymous art gallery with his brother Art—hand-built with cedar planks in 1986 with acclaimed carver Henry Nolla—now up for sale.
The traditional Northwest Coast longhouse-style building in the centre of town helped put Tofino on the map, and is a work of art on its own. The massive carved eagle façade is a nod to Vickers' Tsimshian, Haida and Heiltsuk ancestry, who was born into the Eagle clan.
The Roy Henry Vickers Gallery and his internationally acclaimed work from paintings, screen prints, carvings, keynote talks, and more, has helped foster community connection, contributing to Tofino’s economy and identity as a hub for Indigenous art and culture.
A storied history, art and influence
In the early '70s, Vickers studied traditional Native art at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art in Ksan, B.C. He put art aside to work as a commercial fisherman before tying up his boat in Tofino.
He returned to his love of art, but initially wasn't keen about a gallery. "I didn't want to open one; I just wanted to be a recluse artist," he says, before hoteliers eventually persuaded him, helping facilitate healthy tourism.
Vickers' history as an artist and storyteller unfolds over 50 years, steadily stewarding generations to a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage to help preserve and promote the artistic traditions of First Nations communities.
"I grew up with storytellers in my 5,000-year-old village and they taught me to be the storyteller I am, which is what an artist is," recounts Vickers.
"The greatest teacher I had was my art teacher, who told me to find out who I was and create from that place and maybe I'd do something nobody else could do, but me."
"I love all mediums: carving is in my DNA, but designing and drawing is actually my forte." He likens his process of creating his screen prints to storytelling: "it's done layer by layer."
Vickers' art often reflects a deep connection to the land and the environment, particularly B.C.'s rugged beauty, sunsets and water elements that resonates with broader conversations about conservation and respect for nature.
Spacious interior, priceless works
A masterpiece from top to bottom, the gallery's interior includes four 10-foot cedar totems (two eagle, two raven), the cornerstones of the structure. The main space includes a 52' x 39' sunken floor used as a conversation pit, though easily covered with a false floor to increase event space.
An additional 24' x 22' area currently houses retail items, and priceless works include a Nuu-Chah-Nulth carved canoe, carved cedar bench and custom surfboard.
"Not to mention, there's rumblings that the building is being considered for heritage status," reveals Vickers.
"Whether you’re a buyer or investor, this is not only a unique venture but an opportunity to play a role in the preservation of Tofino's sociocultural history," says Jennifer Heckert with Paradise Property Group, RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty.
"With 3,440 square feet and a lot size of 7,200 square feet, the gallery is more than just a property and commercial space; it's a work of art, with a legacy and a substantial amount of goodwill along with it."
Future plans, European travel
Today, Vickers calls the Skeena River Valley home, near the town of Hazelton, where he continues to be inspired. A successful operation to remove a brain tumour discovered last year was the catalyst to decide to sell. "I was thinking of selling the gallery and knew I had to let the business go and be in earnest."
With a month recovery under his belt, he's doing well, in his words, and plans a return trip to Europe to follow his DNA and look for new images from his ancestors.
"I hope to continue to create as an artist and tell stories, and hopefully inspire people to do the same."
The gallery is located at 350 Campbell Street, Tofino. For purchase inquiries and more information, call Jennifer Heckert with Paradise Property Group, RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty at 250-726-7872 or visit jenniferheckert.com.
