Submitted by Lee Brooks

Local native artist Rande Cook has a firm grip on the wheel of the Kwakwakawak’w imagination. His new artful odyssey will come rumbling through Friday Harbor on Saturday, Sept. 14. His reception at Arctic Raven Gallery will be at 5 p.m. that afternoon. Works will be on display until Oct. 19.

Kwagūl Stylin’ began when Cook first put a carving knife in his hands. An incredible exhibition has evolved through this seemingly simple expression. Old cedar comes to life once again in works inspired by creative gifts cedar trees have offered in the past. Cook’s masks bring to life stories from the past and connect them to viewers in the present.

Some ancient masks from the past are rarely seen today. One of them is “The Long Life-Giver.” It is a tall mask. The design points up to the heavens all the time. Cook accidentally cut his version of the mask down the middle. The mask then felt to him like a split between the past and the new. Cook finds himself in the middle of that split right now.

“We sometimes miss the moment when there is a split in time,” said Cook. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an unexpected moment and find your own truths.

Visit Arctic Raven Gallery at 130 First Street in Friday Harbor. For more information, call 360-378-3433, visit www.arcticravengallery.com or follow Arctic Raven Gallery on Facebook.