Native Visions Artist Spotlight
Native Visions Eyewear is an optical frame line dedicated to giving a voice to true Native American Artists. Each frame is designed by a Native American Artist, giving them a magnificent medium to share their vision and the wearer a strong voice to express themselves. We are proud to partner with these talented artists and will remain committed to developing and promoting Native American Arts and Artists. Learn more about our participating artists below.
Virgil "Smoker" Marchand
The sculptor, Virgil "Smoker" Marchand, was given his Indian name "Spa Poole" which means smokey, or smoke in his language, by his grandmother. Smoker grew up in the Colville Eastside Reservation in Omak, Washington, and went to elementary school at St. Mary's Mission. He ran away five times. It was Smoker's brother that encouraged him to pursue his art. Eventually, Smoker attended The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The immersion in this outstanding art school brought out something special in Smoker that he never knew was there. Smoker graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts in 1971.
(1-13-2023) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Virgil “Smoker” Marchand, he will be dearly missed. We were truly honored to work with Smoker over the past 13 years and enjoyed incorporating his Native American designs into eyewear. His design contributions allowed us to share his beautiful artwork with tens of thousands of people. In keeping with Smoker's wishes, we will continue to support his family with ongoing royalties from current and upcoming eyewear designs. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Our heartfelt condolences,
the Encore Vision family
Joel Queen
Joel is a ninth-generation potter, who traces his pottery lineage through the Bigmeat family in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. In addition to being a potter, Joel is also an award winning sculptor, wood carver and glass artist. His work is included in the collections of, among others,, the Smithsonian Institution, the British Museum in London, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.