Join us for the City of Richmond’s annual series of talks about art in the city and its importance to creating connections between citizens and their communities.

Free to the public, these events are held at Richmond City Hall and are preceded by a short presentation by a performing artist.

Seating is limited 

RSVP to lulu@richmond.ca 



The essence of British Columbia is founded in the First Nations. We talk about Canadian history in tens and hundreds of years, but, of course, the province dates back over 10,000 years. The people of this region were “green” well before the term was defined in the general population. A strong attachment to nature and quest to live in balance stems from the First Natons’ ways of being and living life and these ways are what guide many First Nations’ artists and their artwork.



Northwest Coast art exhibits an intricacy of detail and richness of iconographic language. These artworks vary from historic to contemporary representation, within a plethora of materials, meaning and expression. Connie will present an overview of her experiences working with Aboriginal artists across Canada as well as creating her own work for public spaces in cities.



Connie Watts is a mixed media artist, curator, designer and business owner. She has exhibited her artwork in cities across Canada and the US and has done commissioned work for various corporations and private collectors. Her largest indoor installation is the Thunderbird sculpture, Hetux at Vancouver International Airport. She is of Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan and Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry and lives in Port Alberni. 



More at conniewatts.com



This talk will be preceded by a short performance by country music artists Damian Marshall and Shanna Lynn performing as Georgia Rain. Damian’s first commercially successful album, Built to Last was written and recorded in Nashville and garnered five Top 20 singles on Canadian charts as well as multiple award nominations. Shanna’s 2008 self-titled debut album yielded three singles and led to performances at many prestigious venues. As Georgia Rain, the duo has been writing, recording and performing to rave reviews.