Businessman donates $1 M to art society

Rolf Hougen is intensely proud of the Yukon arts community.

Rolf Hougen is intensely proud of the Yukon arts community.

“I’d say we have more artistic talent per capita than anywhere else in Canada,” he said this morning at a news conference called for his upcoming show of Ted Harrison posters, Love in the Midnight Sun.

“And Ted? He’s right up there, right at the very top,” he said of the former Yukon artist who now lives in Victoria.

At a ceremony planned for Friday afternoon/evening, Hougen will be presenting a dedication cheque of $1 million to the Yukon Art Society.

Hougen also mentioned Jack London and Pierre Berton, but argued that no one has matched the “tremendous contribution” Harrison has made to the Yukon.

“Ted, in his way, has publicized the Yukon in ways no one else has,” said Hougen, a longtime Yukon businessman.

Some of Harrison’s most recent posters depict the ocean, whales, and other B.C. imagery. However, he is best known for his snowy landscapes and Yukon scenes.

Hougen spoke fondly of Harrison, calling him “a close friend” and a “truly amazing man.” He said Harrison is an amazing storyteller, and has a knack for capturing the beauty of the Yukon.

“I suppose it’s the colours, and the magnificent stories they tell,” Hougen said when asked why he felt drawn to Harrison’s work.

The first painting Hougen bought was in 1964, and he now has 51 pieces.

Hougen claims to have a more extensive collection of Harrison’s work than Harrison himself, but calls his collection “not quite complete.”

“I understand there are about 10 we don’t have, but we’re hoping to get those too,” he said.

Hougen spoke of the log cabin Harrison built in Carcross, by Crag Lake, which has now been converted into a retreat centre.

“Ted had to move, mostly because his wife was ailing, but he has left such a legacy here,” said Hougen.

Artists are invited to stay at Harrison’s cabin - now called the Ted Harrison Artist Retreat - for months on end, and the only cost is to leave a piece of art when they leave.

Harrison will be at the Whitehorse ceremony tomorrow night, and will also be speaking at the retreat.

The $1-million donation to the art society Hougen announced this morning is an extension of his original support to Arts Underground, a 5,000-square-foot space on the lower level of the Hougen Centre on Main Street.

The money will go toward rent, heat, and all the costs of running the centre.

“Art is very, very important,” said Hougen, adding that he’s pleased and honoured to be able to support artists “both amateur and professional”.

He noted that many artists in the Yukon are able to make a living with art, something artists elsewhere cannot do.

“The Yukon is a special place,” Hougen said.

Elaine Taylor, the deputy premier and the Minister of Tourism and Culture, will also be at the ceremony tomorrow.

“The Yukon government’s vision for a healthy and sustainable community is to integrate cultural development into the vibrancy of the downtown area, making arts and culture part of the daily lives of Yukon residents and visitors,” she said in a statement.

“Arts Underground is a wonderful example of how innovative partnerships made up of heritage, arts, youth and business support the creative connectivity of a community.

“Thank you to Rolf and Marg Hougen who have invested significantly in the arts and for showing their support to Yukon.”

Friday’s ceremony will be held in Arts Underground.