Walter Brown is a young and up and coming artist whose art has been selected as a room feature in the Kwa’lilas Hotel. From his mother’s heritage, he has ties in the Gixsam tribe of the ‘Nakwaxda’xw people and the Tla-o-qui-aht tribe of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people through his father.

Throughout Walter’s life, he has always shown a deep interest in cultural expressions. In 2010, he was inspired to learn more about traditional artwork after seeing a plaque and totem pole carved by his late grandfather, William George. His dream is to have his grandfather’s legacy of creating art be passed along throughout generations.

While certain techniques of Walter’s are self-taught or learned from other artists, Charles Willie has had a major influence on his work. Under close mentorship in 2011, Charles taught Walter the basics of carving on scrap cedar.

Walter specializes in creating one of a kind, original canvas paintings, and drum designing and fabrication. Favouring red cedar for his carving material, Walter creates a variety of pieces, from personal plaques to ceremonial masks and rattles.