Edward (Ted) Harrison
Ted Harrison is one of Canada's best-known artists, famous for his colourful depictions of life in the Yukon. Harrison came to Canada from the UK in 1967, after teaching in England, Malaysia, and New Zealand. He settled in Whitehorse where he taught art to secondary students and adults.In 1977, Harrison graduated from the University of Alberta with a BEd; however, he began painting full time two years later. Harrison's paintings can be found in private and public collections around the world. He is perhaps best known for his colourful illustrations of children's books, including A Northern Alphabet, O Canada, Children of the Yukon, The Blue Raven, and The Cremation of Sam McGee.
Much of his career has been spent teaching art to children of all ages, but Harrison's distinctive painting style, which captures the simple beauty of the North, has made him one of Canada's most prominent artists, and an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books.
The recipient of numerous awards throughout his career, he was the first Canadian to have his work selected for the International Children's Book Illustrator Exhibit in Bologna, Italy, and he received special honours for his illustration of A Northern Alphabet. Harrison's colourful work brought to life the famous poem by Robert Service in the book, The Cremation of Sam McGee, winner of the New York Times Best Children's Book Selection prize and the American Library Association Notable Book award.
In recognition of his achievements, Harrison has been awarded honorary doctorates from Athabasca University, the University of Victoria, and the University of Alberta and, in 1987, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada.
Harrison is a 2002 recipient of the University of Alberta Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Award.