Visitors can watch an artist at work three days a week at the Kariton Gallery (2387 Ware St.).
Jay Havens will have his work in progress on display in the back of the gallery from Tuesdays to Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m., until June 30.
Artist talks will take place on June 3 and 17 at 1 p.m. for individuals and groups.
Havens is an artist of Haudenosaunee Mohawk and Scottish Canadian ancestry from the Six Nations of the Grand River.
Originally from Abbotsford, he is currently based out of Haida Gwaii, B.C. He holds a bachelor of fine arts from the University of British Columbia and is currently a master’s candidate at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Havens is an interdisciplinary artist working in the fields of contemporary art, scenography and education.
Since 2009, he has produced 25 murals and various collaborative art projects for the Abbotsford school district which speak to the history of the Fraser Valley as told from First Nations perspectives.
Havens is currently working on a petroleum-based series titled “Rollback Rawhide” because the works employ a rawhide/leather-like product invented using repurposed shopping bags.
The form and process reference art mediums rooted in traditions from basketry and moccasin-making to ceremonial arts like drum and regalia production.
Visitors are invited to view Havens’ work in progress and bring some of their used plastic grocery bags to contribute to his piece.
For more information, or to book a tour contact the Abbotsford Arts Council at info@abbotsfordartscouncil.com.
