On November 5th 2009 Stittgen Fine Jewelry in West Vancouver hosted a special birthday celebration for Karl Stittgen. This was also an occasion to celebrate Karl’s recent honour of being awarded the 2009 BC Creative Achievement Award of Distinction. Karl, who lives on Pender Island, is now pursuing his latest passion, pottery. The guests at this event were able to bid on a special ceramic piece Karl created for this occasion. This piece was the most highly anticipated item in the live auction that was conducted by West Vancouver Mayor, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones to raise funds for the North Shore Hospice.
Karl’s fans from all over came to celebrate the life and work of this extraordinary man with artistic talent few in his field can match. Guests proudly adorned themselves with Stittgen’s jewelry pieces, some of which were acquired many decades ago. Amongst Karl’s old friends was Tony Cavelti, another renowned goldsmith, whose career began in West Vancouver in the 1950’s.
By all accounts, guests had a wonderful time sipping wine and enjoying appetizers and live music while celebrating Karl’s talent and supporting the North Shore Hospice. Karl himself was elated at being surrounded by well-wishers. After cutting the Thomas Haas cake, Karl remarked “this is the best birthday I’ve ever had!” As Karl thanked Selina Ladak, Stittgen Fine Jewelry’s owner, he added how proud he was of her and how happy he was to see his tradition carried forward in such elegant style.
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- Mayor Goldsmith-Jones conducts the live auction.
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- Karl cuts cake as his wife Nora and Tony Cavelti look on.
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- Selina Ladak, Karl, Mayor Goldsmith-Jones and Mobeen Ladak.
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- Karl with hosts Selina and Mobeen Ladak.
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- Mr and Mrs Bandall, Brigit Tearle, Karl and Nancy Stibbard.