Growing from the 2023 Gallery exhibition Invisible Fish, and inspired by the Joy Harjo poem “Remember,” remember the earth, remember the sky is a group show focusing on ancestral connections through land, air, and memory as experienced and understood by early career artists connected to this territory and in conversation with works from the Gallery’s permanent collection by Salish artists.

Using an array of mediums, including painting, digital art, sound, sculptural installation, ceramic, and natural materials, the artists reflect on themes connected to place and environment, family history and ceremonies, migration and diasporic identities, and spirituality. This exhibition also includes hands-on experiences with art, including a visitor invitation where one can contribute to an interactive sculpture, weekly piñata breaking referencing its history of celebration and ritual, a collaborative playlist where visitors can dedicate a song to their ancestors, and more.

“remember the earth, remember the sky is partially inspired by my work with children with the Gallery’s school program Sharing Perspectives: Indigenous Contemporary Art Workshop,” says Alanna Edwards, Curator of Art & Education Initiatives. “Children are full of joy, curiosity, and wonder and are open to new ideas. I hope all who visit, no matter their age, can come and ground themselves by remembering their ancestors, their connection to place, and their journey.”

This winter, Surrey Art Gallery is pleased to present the solo exhibition Atheana Picha: Portals, on view from January 17–March 22, 2026. Admission is free.

Building on Picha’s Salish Weaving Residency at the Gallery from the summer of 2023, this exhibition features a

range of work including carving, sound, and hand-spun, hand-woven Salish blankets by Picha, an artist from q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen First Nation) with connections to Tsartlip through her grandmother.

Central to Portals is a Salish blanket full of blanket pins created by invited mentors, friends, family, and

people important to Picha. Relatively small, but essential, blanket pins are used to hold closed weavings worn

in ceremony and with regalia. They come in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials, all of which will be on display

with this collaborative work.

Curator of the exhibition Alanna Edwards said, “Picha’s contribution toward the canon of Salish art is ongoing,

and I’ve had the privilege of working with her in a variety of ways since 2018. Witnessing her evolution as an artist, I’m continually moved by her deep respect for, and connection with, community and mentors, as well as to the ancestors.

Portals draws on these elements, enriched by Picha’s dedication to innovation, skill, and research throughout her practice.”