A new public art installation in New Westminster aims to welcome all and to celebrate diversity.
New Westminster Public Library is excited about the completion of a new, permanent public art installation in its main uptown branch. Our Community, Our Way by Rain Pierre, Katzie First Nation, features a vibrant array of imagery inspired by Indigenous themes that are wrapped around various cement pillars throughout the library.
“I want everyone to feel welcome, and this work is my way of saying that there is a place for all of us in community and at the library,” Pierre said in a news release.
Hummingbirds, salmon, and other subjects are featured in in the public art.
“This artwork now displayed on the library’s pillars are a beautiful way of holding up the library,” Mayor Patrick Johnstone said at a recent opening reception. “As we learn to move meaningfully through reconciliation, this work helps to affirm that while there is much to learn, we are on our way.”
Pierre has produced similar works for a number of other libraries and organizations throughout the Lower Mainland, emphasizing collaboration and community in everything thing he does.
“Working with others and helping them to find a voice through art is part of my own journey” he said.
All totalled, 19 pillars can be found in the main and second floors of the library.
In addition to the pillars, the library features a wood panel that was co-created by Pierre and artist Kiefer Strautman. It is described as depicting Mother Earth coming to life, with a reminder that land is living and breathing, and we need to care for it.
The City of New Westminster’s public art program organized the project in conjunction with the Library Board of Trustees. The public art is the final component of the library’s renovation project, which saw the library reopen with new spaces and updated technology features in 2019.
“This work represents not only the capstone of a larger project to update the main branch in 2019, but also to celebrate and represent Indigenous ways of knowing through public art at the library,” said Christopher Koth, manager of special projects at the New Westminster Public Library. “It is the first time the library has featured Indigenous art in such a vibrant and intentional way. It particularly resonates with our aim to create a space that is truly reflective of and welcoming to all in our community.”
Our Community, Our Way is now on view at the New Westminster Public Library’s main branch, 716 Sixth Ave.
