Poet and photographer Fraser Clark is the recipient of the City of Duncan's 2025 Arts Award.
Clark was posthumously awarded the honour at a ceremony held at City Hall on Dec. 1.
Although Clark's early career spanned shipping and paper industries, he found his true calling in his lifelong passion for art.
His deep appreciation and respect for Northwest Coast Indigenous art led to a career showcasing these art forms and the opening of his Bay of Spirits Gallery in 1994.
An avid photographer and poet all his life, Clark's work has graced many homes and galleries, and he has published two volumes of poetry.
Over the last few years, Clark brought his wealth of knowledge and love of art to the Cowichan Public Art Gallery.
"Volunteering as both a docent and a curator, he contributed hundreds of hours and his involvement in this organization brought him great joy and fulfillment," said a statement from the city.
"Notable exhibits that he curated include The Path of the Totem, featuring a collection of City of Duncan maquettes, and most recently, works by Zeljko Kujundzic. Both shows were very well-received and well-attended by the community, with the Kujundzic exhibit breaking the gallery's three-and-a-half-year attendance record."
Clark was also involved in the gallery's acquisition of a significant and important donation of art by Will Julsing.
"Fraser led a multifaceted life as a husband, father, outdoorsman, photographer, private gallery owner, and admirer of First Nations art," the city said.
"He put his heart into everything he did and was a consummate professional in every situation."