The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists was established in 2002 to support art education in BC and the ongoing success and viability of the Artists for Kids Trust. Artists for Kids, co-founded by North Vancouver educators Ken James and Bill MacDonald with support of artists Gordon Smith, Jack Shadbolt, and Bill Reid in 1989, provides a variety of outstanding art enrichment programs for thousands of school aged children each year, including the popular Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Art.


Gordon and Marion Smith have been active in the Canadian art community for more than 50 years. Gordon’s work is found in major art centers such as the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C as well as in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. Marion had a rewarding career in social work and, until her passing, had steadfastly supported Gordon throughout his career. Through the years both Gordon and Marion have generously committed themselves to a wide variety of artistic, educational and social causes. We ask that you consider supporting their foundation to do the same.