Creating art has given me a reason for living. I hope it gifts others a new way of being—to let go of pain and what doesn't belong.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My life has been centered around cedar—my work, my life, and my way of being. While I am traditionally a Coast Salish carver, I have found a deep passion for weaving cedar bark over the years. Stepping away from the knife and adze allows me to slow down and express my healing journey through a different medium.
Where do you find inspiration?"My journey of inspiration began with healing. I carried a lot of childhood trauma, but through my art, I realized it was actually intergenerational hurt passed down from my grandparents. Spending time on the land gifts me the inspiration to keep going—to create, to connect with my inner self, and to show others there is another way of being. Sharing this path with children has been a huge part of my own healing process. Healing through art has been truly transformative for my life."
What would you do with $25,000?I lead a community-based healing canoe program. Together, my students and I carve traditional Coast Salish dugout canoes to gift to local children who have been separated from our culture. This program stems from a place of belonging and healing; it shows our little ones that there is indeed another way of being. From blessing the cedar to the steaming and the final community presentation, every step is held in ceremony. Huy’ch’qa.
Vote for Beau Wagner to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
