Local Cree/Métis artist Ray Keighley continues to tell stories about First Nations culture through his art.
He currently has a “Spring Opener” art exhibit at Route 11 Creative Arts Studio that features his artwork that he had previously done, plus some recent pieces. His artwork is on display until April 23.
“It shows the range of my talent and the different styles I use. But it also gives people a range of art from when I basically started,” said Keighley.
The art displayed in the show is for sale and if one gets sold during the exhibit, Keighley said he’ll just replace it with another piece
The 68-year-old Keighley has lived in Warman for over 30 years and his artwork is well known all over Saskatchewan.
The majority of his arts consists of painting, prints as well as wood carvings.
Art has always been a huge part of Keighley’s life and he had been successful at it since his youth, winning contests he entered.
Keighley grew up in Calgary, and one contest that he was proud of was an art competition he won in his Grade 12 year, as it was open to all graduating classes in the city.
His instructor at the time saw the talent that Keighley had and he wanted him to go to art school. Keighley promised that instructor he would do just that, which happened later in his life
Honouring an agreement or a pact made with someone is very important to Keighley, and even though it wasn’t until he was in his late 30s he still went to art school.
“I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program, and I fulfilled my promise,” he said.
Being an artist in the province for as long as Keighley has, his work has developed a following and people enjoy seeing what he can come up with, and are impressed with the photos he shares of his work on his social media pages like Facebook and Instagram.
“One artist I know, I put him on my Facebook page, and he says ‘wow, I’m a friend with the legend.’ I thought that was really funny, but yeah, I’ve been around for that long, so I do have that reputation,” said Keighley. “Even though I’ve taken breaks at times, If I start up again I know people are following me.”
Keighley has a couple of grants through Sk Arts, which are; artists in communities residencies, and artists in schools residencies. For the former grant he his based out of Route 11 Creative Arts Centre in Warman and the latter he is working with Warman High School.
Keighley really enjoys working with the students at Warman High, and the energy and excitement they bring to art inspires him to keep doing what he’s doing in regards of his own art projects.
“There’s nothing like having a student working on something and then all of a sudden the lights go on and they’re like ‘wow, I didn’t know I could do that,’ perfect, just keep on going. It’s great to have that opportunity and it keeps me going,” said Keighley.
While working with the students at Warman High his main focus is truth and reconciliation through the arts. He talks with the students about reconciliation and what that means visually.
They are working on a mural that reflects truth and reconciliation which will be 18 ft. high and 16 feet across and it will be displayed in front of the Route 11 building. Keighley mentioned that he will be working with the students at the school four times a week, as he recently started working with them on a regular basis.
While working on the Mural Keighley mentioned that they still have to follow social distancing guidelines as only four students at a time can work on the project, and Keighley expects the project to be finished in June, if everything goes as planned.
The majority of Keighley’s art tells a narrative or a story and he believes its a great way to start a dialogue with people about First Nations culture and it’s history.
“I used to tell people that I’m not political. But when I look back at my work, yeah, I’m really political, but it’s not slapping you in the face,” he said.
People may not agree with the message or story his is trying to portray through his art but it is still important to not forget about that history.
“We have to still live with each other and let’s continue that conversation of acknowledging and recognizing the past, and the wrongs and rights that were done,” said Keighley.
For people who want to check out the “Spring Opener” art exhibit, they can stop by Route 11 on Mondays and Wednesdays as Keighley is at the studio all day until 5 p.m. People can also phone Keighley at 306-260-9727 to arrange a visit to see his show.
As for other art shows that Keighley plans on doing this year, there will be one at the Station Arts Centre in Rosthern for July and August.