The local community is invited 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 Wed., 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 the natural light can play on the piece.

“The unveiling of Rain’s newest creation as part of Maple Ridge 150^th anniversary honours that the Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation have lived here since time immemorial,” said Mayor 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.”

To inspire the piece ‘Albion Lookout’, Rain connected with the young people who attend c̓əsqənelə 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. 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,” said Rain Pierre. “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 backyard - Pitt Lake.”

Rain’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 and in 2023 two murals were unveiled on the Maple Ridge Pump Station.

Unveiling Ceremony - May 8 (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.) Albion Community Centre, 24165 104 Ave.

The unveiling ceremony will be held during the day so the students at c̓əsqənelə Elementary who inspired the piece 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 Elder Cyril Pierre and his son, the talented artist Rain Pierre. Residents are invited to attend the unveiling ceremony and encouraged to visit the art piece.

For more information about Rain Pierre’s work visit www.rainawakens.com.