Tlingit carver inspired by family on winning Yukon/BC Northwestel directory cover art

April 22, 2020

Whitehorse, YT — Lorraine M. Wolfe’s interest in her brother’s artistic success helped drive her toward a win in this year’s Northwestel directory cover art competition. Wolfe’s carved alder mask, Tlingit Moon, has been unveiled as the cover artwork for this year’s Northwestel directory for Yukon and Northern British Columbia.

Wolfe was inspired to take up carving by her brother – and former Directory cover winner--Master Carver Keith Wolfe-Smarch. Wolfe was trained at the Freda Diesing Northwest Coast Fine Arts Program in Northern BC, where she was instructed and mentored by Master Carvers Stan Bevan and Ken McNeil, as well as Grand Master Dempsey Bob.

Wolfe says she debated selling the mask to a private collector prior to entering the competition but reconsidered. “I believe it is important for a larger audience to be able to see the art and appreciate it, giving insight into who we are as Yukon First Nations people.”

Northwestel’s President, Curtis Shaw, says he is proud to continue using the company’s directory covers to promote northern artists and their work. “Northwestel is continuing its longstanding support of the northern arts community by once again showcasing northern-produced artwork on phone directory covers,” says Shaw. “We are proudly sharing the work of northern artists, by bringing their creativity and talent directly into the homes and businesses of their fellow northerners.”

“The only person you’re ever in competition with, in art, is yourself,” says Wolfe.

“I just have to keep moving forward and continue to push myself through uncomfortable boundaries. To keep learning what I can from my brother and others that have been down this path. My overall goal is being able to carve and create artwork on a full-time basis: that’s what I am aiming for and working towards in the future.”

Northwestel has been showcasing the talents of northern artists on its regional phone directory covers for more than 30 years. Winners are selected by Northwestel, in consultation with the local arts community, and each winning entry is awarded $3,000.

Information about picking up Northwestel directories

Directory availability in each community may vary due to the COVID-19 situation. Customers are advised to check with the directory pickup location in their community for availability and practice social distancing when picking up their directory. A list of designated pickup locations in each community is available at nwtel.ca/shop/phone/phone-books-and-listings.
Northwestel directories can also be viewed online at edirectories.yp.ca.

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Contact:
Northwestel Media Relations
(867) 455-4209
media@nwtel.ca