“Born in the 60s and grew up in a farm community. I was very far removed from any Native art. After learning about the 60s scope I got interested in my own heritage. I began learning about Native art…and found a whole new area of art closer to my ancestors. It was Woodland school of art and I loved it! I seem to find a peaceful balance when I am doing these artist things and it brings some relief in these hectic times. I hope to learn more and contribute to the art world both by creating and teaching those who want to learn. I think this is the way forward for our cultural heritage to heal and grow. When I was born I was given an Indian name by a grandfather (mushom) when I met my maternal mother at age 24 I told her I did know my Indian name Blue Sky and she was very surprised but said that was only the first part of it and the second was lost in time. It is fitting as this is my life, half of it is lost in a time when things were very hard for natives and now I am searching for my shadow as the story goes. In this art I hope to find the rest of me.

Meegwetch” ~ James Groening

Key Information Location: Gallery at Queen’s Park, Centennial Lodge, New Westminster

Exhibition Dates: June 28 - July 30th, 2023 Open Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Opening Reception: June 29th, 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Please join James for an Artist Talk in the Bandshell at Queen’s Park “Art Sundays”: Sunday July 16th, 1:00-3:00pm.

Join us at the Gallery in Queen’s Park, on Sunday July 16th, 2023, from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, for an Artist Talk by exhibiting artist, James Groening, as he shares with you his inspiration as an artist, how he began on this journey, and some of the stories that his work is formed around.