The Nanaimo Museum is featuring the art of Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown in an exhibition that kicked off June 21 - National Aboriginal Day - and will run until Sept. 3.

Brown is a renowned carver and jewellery maker whose art can be seen in many public areas in Nanaimo, such as the B.C. Ferries Departure Bay terminal; the new cruise ship terminal; and the finely crafted posts outside the Snuneymuxw First Nation Administration building. His art and jewellery are becoming increasingly popular and his work has found an international market. The exhibition will feature several small and large examples of his work.

Brown's long connection to the museum began in 1995 when he painted the panels in an earlier major Snuneymuxw exhibit, his first professional commission. He also designed the iconic 'Circle of Life' symbol that is used at the museum. Brown is a member of the Snuneymuxw and Kwakwaka'wakw people and comes from a long tradition of artists and carvers on both sides of his family. He pays tribute to his ancestors and his heritage by immortalizing the Coast Salish culture in his art objects, especially from songs and stories told to him by his grandmother and elders.