'He’s the Downtown Eastside newspaper': Community push for City of Vancouver to recognize street artist
Trey Helten remembers the first time he met Smokey Devil. He was in his mid-20s, living on the Downtown Eastside and didn’t have a phone or access to the Internet.
As an entrenched drug user, living on the sidewalk, Helten was focused on surviving. He said the only time he knew something important was happening in his community was when he saw Smokey’s art.
“He’s the Downtown Eastside newspaper,” he said.
Smokey’s work often consists of memorials to community members, warnings about drug toxicity and violence, and advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
“It’s sharing information and caring for people who need to be remembered, who would otherwise be forgotten,” Helten said.
Helten said Smokey’s art also draws attention to the crises in the neighbourhood without exploiting vulnerable people.
In just over one month, Smokey Devil, whose real name is James Hardy, will turn 54.
It’s an age many people who live in the Downtown Eastside won’t reach, as the area has one of the lowest life expectancies in Metro Vancouver.
Because of this, Helten wants the City of Vancouver to recognize Hardy on his birthday on March 11.
“I think this is a really good opportunity for the city to recognize him while he’s still around,” he said. “Why can’t we celebrate people while they’re still alive?”
A tribute created by Smokey Devil to Downtown Eastside advocate, Angel Gates.
Helten said he’s contacted some city councillors and staff about honouring his friend.
Coun. Pete Fry was one of them. He met Smokey more than 30 years ago.
“Smokey’s got a good heart and he’s definitely delivering the best kind of street art, speaking to the people on the street and providing a form of public awareness,” Fry said.
Smokey grew up in North Vancouver and moved to the Downtown Eastside around 25 years ago. He told CTV News his art helps people understand the complexities of his community.
“I hope they think twice about things,” he said.
Smokey Devil is known as the "Downtown Eastside's newspaper."
Helten said he's hopeful the city will recognize his request and mark March 11 as a day dedicated to the prolific artist by either holding a ceremony for Smokey or giving him the keys to the city.
“He’s a great example of someone who's dedicated their life to selfless service of others through art and street art,” Helten said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.