Tributes have poured in for the well-known artist, who was honoured earlier this month with an Order of Canada for his work as an artist, activist and philanthropist
Vancouver artist Joe Artist, recognized for his humanitarian work as much as his bright, colourful artwork, has died on Christmas Eve, according to family and friends.
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“It is with very heavy hearts that we must tell you that our beloved brother, Joe Brock Average, died peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Eve,” read a social media post attributed to his siblings Karin and Mark.
“We would like to say how much we appreciate the love and support of his many friends.”
A subsequent post said Joe Average died on the afternoon of Dec. 24 at home. He was 67.
Tributes have poured in for the well-known artist, who was honoured earlier this month with an Order of Canada for his work as an artist, activist and philanthropist.
“Thinking of Joe Average and the immense difference he made through his art, and by being Joe,” wrote Vancouver-West End MLA Spender Chandra Herbert on X. “He was anything but average. He will be deeply missed by many.”
Messages of condolences have been sent in response to Joe Average’s last Instagram post on Christmas Eve.
“We have lost an amazing, colour-filled, special man who tried to make his world a better place each day,” said one commenter.
“(You) will be missed even by us who you’ve never met but touched our hearts with your art and words and actions,” said another.
Born Brock David Tebbutt in Victoria in 1957, Joe Average took on his moniker after a night out over drinks with a friend. The name was a perfect fit, he said.
Joe Average didn’t become famous until after his diagnosis with HIV at age 27. Thinking he may have mere months to live, he was inspired to pursue art as a full-time career and began mounting shows in his West End apartment.
He successfully managed to make a living off his art and his signature pop-art images have since adorned canvases, prints, murals, postage stamps, city banners and other works.
One of his recent pieces — a mural called One World One Hope — was unveiled in 2021 at the 40th anniversary of AIDS. The bold colours of his work take up a wall at Helmcken House, which offers affordable housing for people with HIV/AIDS, and occupies a prominent spot, easily seen and appreciated from Granville Street.
Joe Average has been recognized with numerous awards and honours, including a Governor General award for his volunteer work, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for his contributions to the community, and a proclamation designating Nov. 3 as Joe Average Day.
He has been a generous donor of his time, work, and talent to various charitable organizations, including Art for Life, A Loving Spoonful, AIDS Walk for Life and B.C. Children’s Hospital.
He was awarded the province’s highest honour in 2021.
With files from Postmedia