The City of Maple Ridge is inviting the public to the official unveiling of Albion Lookout, a new public art installation by Katzie First Nation artist Rain Pierre at the Albion Community Centre on Wednesday, May 8.
Commissioned by the Maple Ridge Public Arts Steering Commission, Albion Lookout has been installed on the glass at the entrance of the Albion Community Centre, where natural light can illuminate the piece.
The ceremony will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the community centre, at 24165 104 Ave.
“The unveiling of Rain’s newest creation as part of Maple Ridge 150th anniversary honours that the Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation have lived here since time immemorial,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Rain’s inspiration for the piece reflect the deep roots of the Katzie people and Rain’s extraordinary ability to connect the generations past and future with his art.”
For inspiration Rain Pierre connected with young people attending cusqunela Elementary, as well as those in the local neighbourhood. He saw the Albion Community Centre as a place where people from all walks of life are welcome and can come together.
“I feel that the Albion Community Centre was giving a vibe of looking out for one another,” he explained. “There was mention that the sunsets can be seen from there, and I had to include it to remind people that tomorrow is a new day.
“In the piece the momma bear and cub were brought up as visitors every spring – they are spirit bears that are looking in both directions to remind us to look out for one another. We must look at both the past and the future to grow. They are wearing cedar headbands as a tribute to our people’s culture and survival. The three strands from the headband represent past, present and future – all of which we must acknowledge when heading towards reconciliation and bettering the relationships. I also added the mountains in the background to represent our back yard – Pitt Lake.”
The artist’s work is well known locally, and he has been invited to speak internationally about his experience as an Indigenous artist. His artwork can be seen across the Lower Mainland.
The unveiling ceremony will be held during the day so the students at cusqunela Elementary can share in the experience. The event will include a welcome from Mayor Dan Ruimy, a traditional welcome from Katzie member Terrance Pierre and speeches by Katzie elder Cyril Pierre and his son, the artist Rain Pierre.
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