Regular attendees of the Event & Arena Marketing Conference know that the most coveted keepsake is that year’s limited edition carbonhouse t-shirt. Each year, we design a shirt for EAMC attendees to bring home and rock all year to remind them of memories made at EAMC - and to keep carbonhouse top of mind, of course. 

 

This year, we wanted to do something a bit different. As opposed to utilizing a creative take on the host city’s skyline or moniker, for example, we wanted to honor something so deeply woven into the Pacific Northwest region and Seattle’s history - the one-of-a-kind artwork of the Coast Salish Indigenous people.

 

We reached out to artist Ovila Mailhot of Salish Son Design, who graciously designed a beautiful and unique emblem to be the centerpiece of our 2023 edition t-shirt. Coast Salish artwork traditionally features bold, two dimensional designs and often highlights animals and spiritual beings. 

 

Speaking about what inspires his artwork, Mailhot said, "I've always wanted to represent where I'm from in my culture and community. Learning more about the ancestral elements of Coast Salish art helps me find ways to show who I am and where I'm from. Art feels vital to me. And being able to share that passion I have is important to me. This tradition of work, and this beauty is so necessary for our culture and healing."

 

This year, we also upped the ante and created a canvas tote bag featuring the same artwork  that was included in every EAMC attendee’s registration gift bag. 

 

We are very proud of this year’s EAMC t-shirts and welcome gift, and anticipate this being the start of many partnerships between carbonhouse and local artists, makers and innovators. 

 

To learn more about Ovila Mailhot and Salish Son Design, visit Salishsondesign.com or @ovila79 on Instagram.