For more than 50 years, Gordon Smith has enriched British Columbia's arts and culture community. He taught at the early Vancouver School of Art and the University of British Columbia which made Gordon Smith Professor Emeritus, Fine Arts in 1982.  He has been awarded the Order of Canada, with honourary Doctorates from Simon Fraser University and the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design.

A founding patron of the Artists For Kids Foundation, he is distinguished for his support of and inspiration to young artists, providing permanent support for the fine arts to schoolchildren since 1989. He also contributes his time and works to numerous charity auctions and fundraising events.

The artwork of Gordon Smith has been exhibited throughout the world in private and public galleries and can be found in museums and private and corporate collections across the country.