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Foundry Collaborative Mural

Artist: Rain Piere (sɬə́məxʷ) and Student Youth Artists

Title: Collaborative Mural

Material: Spray Paint

2022

This collaborative mural stands as a lasting celebration of community, culture, creativity, and youth leadership. Created through a partnership between Foundry Ridge Meadows, the BC Summer Games 2020 Legacy Fund, Katzie First Nation artist Rain Pierre, and youth artists Maeve North, Sarah Penner, and Rayah Sawyer, the artwork reflects the power of mentorship and collective storytelling.

Funded through a grant from the BC Summer Games 2020 Legacy Fund, the project provided a unique opportunity for three local youth artists to work alongside Rain Pierre, a respected Katzie artist recognized for his Indigenous artwork and his commitment to inspiring young people through art. Each youth artist contributed their own ideas, experiences, and artistic perspectives, while Pierre skillfully brought their visions together into one cohesive piece.

The mural reflects themes of belonging, connection, growth, resilience, and hope, values that are central to both the mission of Foundry Ridge Meadows and the experiences of the young people it serves. Through vibrant imagery and collaborative design, the artwork acknowledges the importance of community support, cultural identity, and the diverse journeys that shape who we are. It serves as a visual reminder that every voice has value and that meaningful connections can inspire healing, understanding, and positive change.

More than a work of art, this mural represents a transformational learning experience for the youth artists involved. Through Pierre’s mentorship, they gained not only artistic skills but also an appreciation for collaboration, cultural understanding, and the impact art can have within a community. As the first legacy project of its kind and scale supported through the BC Summer Games Legacy Fund, the mural leaves a lasting mark on Foundry Ridge Meadows, welcoming visitors into a space that celebrates creativity, inclusion, and the strength that emerges when people come together to create something larger than themselves.

Rain Piere (sɬə́məxʷ)

Rain Awakens

Katzie First Nation Artist

My name is Rain Pierre (sɬə́məx), and I am an indigenous artist from the Katzie First Nation. My journey as an artist began on October 16, 2016, when I had a life-changing awakening that led me to quit my dreams to become a civil engineer and pursue my true passion – art.

I dedicated my time to building a successful career in the construction industry. I worked extensive overtime, traveled across British Columbia, Canada, inspecting multimillion-dollar projects, and made a name for myself within the industry. Despite my success and good salary, I felt unfulfilled and realized that I was committing spiritual suicide.

One evening, I asked the Creator if this was the path I should be on. That’s when I discovered spray paint art through a Facebook video. I immediately went to the hardware store, bought some spray paint, and created my first painting on a canvas I had recently purchased. That day, my life changed forever.

Since 2016, I have focused on my career as a professional artist, using my work to breathe life into dreams and inspire others to follow their true passions. I believe that life is too short not to do what you love.

As an artist, I strive to use my work for good and to help people. I have created an interactive mural program with communities and school districts, collaborating on concepts and ideas, and working together to paint the pieces. I also teach students and adults how to safely spray paint in small groups.

Some of my notable accomplishments include:

  • Creating the largest lenticular wall art in Canada
  • Representing Canada at a global conference in Europe
  • Maintaining sobriety for multiple years
  • Collaborating on numerous murals with school districts across British Columbia and in Ottawa
  • Planning an art show in the UK and speaking at Cambridge University
  • Creating land acknowledgment plaques with schools and organizations to make spaces more welcoming
  • Having my art displayed in every doctor’s office in British Columbia

As a dreamer, I am committed to using my art to inspire, uplift, and create positive change in the world.