At the entrance of the Surrey Arts Centre, there is an incredible exhibition that showcases a window mural which celebrates the cultural significance of Coast Salish Mountain goat horn bracelets. The artist, Atheana Picha has labelled the exhibition as, “Echoes.” The mural is a way for Picha to honor the significance and connection that the animal has with the people from the territory. The mountain goat horns serve a useful purpose by enabling people to create tools and ornaments which connect people to each other and to the environment that they are from.  Picha’s art is inspired by the cultural practice, and it translates in her work.

Here’s a link to see her mural: https://www.atheanapicha.work/public-work#/surrey-arts-centre-vinyl-mural-2022/

Twenty-two mountain goat horn bracelets have been discovered and from that, only four can be found in North America. Connecting to the history associated with the bracelets is a way that she connects with her roots. Her imagination allows her to think of how her ancestors dedicated their time to incorporate the bracelets in their lives. The idea of how the bracelets were a source of joy and a way for people to show their admiration for each other inspires her work and is also a source of inspiration for other Salish Artists.

Atheana Picha is an artist from Kwantlen and Tsartlip Nations who now based in Richmond. She is a two-time recipient of the YVR Art Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarship, and her work is displayed in different places like the Museum of Vancouver, Burnaby Art Gallery, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art and not to mention the Surrey Arts Centre. People draw inspiration from Picha’s unique style that is heavily influenced by historical and cultural connections. The beautiful mural at the Surrey Arts Centre is free to look at and people find a wide range of things that inspires them from this work.