The Pitt Meadows Art Gallery has reopened with a celebration of Katzie First Nation artist Rain Pierre.
‘Rain’s World – Whispers of the Ancestors: Echoes of Timeless Art’ is the first exhibit for the gallery, now located at the South Bonson Community Centre.
A new mural by Pierre is installed on the outside of the front entrance of the community centre to support and celebrate local Indigenous art in addition to the reopening of the gallery. The mural encompasses more than half of the front of the building.
Smaller murals are at the ground level and are available as a backdrop for photos.
The show is described as walking into the mind of the artist, an immersive experience featuring culture, lights, texture, clothing, beading, and photography.
City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald thanked Pierre for sharing his gift and “beautiful story with the world.”
“We are so grateful and honoured that you chose the reopening of the Pitt Meadows Art Gallery to present your inaugural show,” said MacDonald online.
Not only is Pierre an artist, but in 2022, he was also invited to an international conference in England called International Resilience Revolution Convergence to speak about his experience growing up Indigenous in Canada. And he travelled to Austria to speak on cultural diplomacy at the Salzburg Global Seminar.
Just last year Pierre unveiled two murals on the Maple Ridge Pump Station, which can be seen at the north end of the Golden Ears Bridge.
RELATED: Katzie artist speaking at global conference about growing up Indigenous in Canada
Rain’s World will also feature other local artists including: beader Lainie Leon of Blue Moon Creations from the Katzie First Nation; photographer Karla Zaldaña of Casa De Lala; creative director Trevor Johnson of Green Design; and woodwork artist Kiefer Strautman of Kiefco Customs – who all will be sharing their art using materials that were traditionally and respectfully harvested such as cedar bark, duck feathers, elk antlers, and more.
MacDonald went on, addressing Pierre, saying, “the teachings and truth you so honestly share about Indigenous culture, history, resiliency, recovery and spirituality is eye opening and inspiring. As we all continue together on the important journey of truth and reconciliation thank you for being a gracious teacher and leader,” while thanking the other artists featured in the show.
The exhibit runs until April 2024, when it will move to the University of York in England.
Pitt Meadows Art Gallery is now open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 11-3 p.m. with free admission.
An additional immersive experience of the Rains World exhibition featuring larger pieces from his collection will be available to view upstairs at the South Bonson Community Centre during gallery hours. Tickets are $11.50 each and will be available in-person at the art gallery (debit or credit only). No pre-sale tickets.
A large part of the show is for sale.
READ ALSO: Community Services to give youth chance to paint alongside Katzie artist Rain Pierre
However, a small portion of the artwork is not for sale as Pierre believes it belongs to the ancestors and some pieces are not from this realm. He is planning to send the pieces back to where they came from by burning them after the show.
Pierre is excited to show the world the beauty of First Nation culture and traditions.
There five special upcoming evening shows upstairs in the gallery, in which Rain Pierre will be in attendance.
Each show starts at 6 p.m. on: Friday, March 22; Saturday, March 23; Friday, March 29; Saturday, March 30; and Friday, April 5.
Tickets for the evening shows are $33.28 each and available in advance on Eventbrite only.
For group or classroom bookings email: pmag@pittmeadows.ca.
Pitt Meadows Art Gallery is located on the main floor of the South Bonson Community Centre at 10932 Barnston View Road, Pitt Meadows.
