To the Summer Sun

The Land Holds Us Collective art collective

June 7 – June 31, 2024

This exhibition is at the Central Calgary Public Library in Calgary, AB.

We want to celebrate the sun. Our collective creative expression will continue to honour the natural cycles of life: dreaming, living, dying, growing. As we settle into summer and the solstice, we find ourselves in a place of profound gratitude for the sun and all that it gives us. The sun is deeply embedded in our cultural practices and daily lives. The sun is not just a source of light and warmth; it is a vital part of our existence and heritage. It signifies life, growth, and sustenance, playing a crucial role in our traditional activities and ceremonies. Our art captures the essence of summer, reflecting the joy, warmth, and unique ways we love and give thanks to the sun.

Through our collective works, we depict ways in which the summer sun influences our lives. From communal gatherings, fishing and harvesting, to solitary moments of reflection and creation, each piece is a personal thank you to the sun. These activities are not only traditions but acts of gratitude and respect for the natural world that sustains us. Our creative process is fluid and organic, allowing each artist the freedom to explore the theme of summer gratitude in their own unique way. The conversations that emerge between our works mirror the communal spirit that is at the heart of our collective. We invite you to experience summer gratitude through our eyes and hearts, to feel the warmth of the sun, and to celebrate the beauty of togetherness and tradition that shapes our lives.