Native Art Renaissance Gallery: A Space for Indigenous Art, Connection, and Community in New West
In the heart of Downtown New Westminster, something special is quietly taking root—something that goes beyond brushstrokes on canvas or sculptures on display. At Native Art Renaissance Gallery, art is just the beginning. This Indigenous-owned studio, founded by James Groening, is carving out a meaningful space not only for creative expression, but for connection, cultural education, and belonging.
For Groening, the inspiration to open the studio came from a mix of personal experience and community observation.
Founder of Native Art Renaissance Foundation James Groening
“I wanted to take up space as an Indigenous artist,” he shared. “But also to create opportunities for others—to make connections, to express themselves publicly, and to find belonging. There seemed to be room here in New West for that kind of space, and the local art community felt welcoming. So we found a great location and got to work.”
From the outset, the vision was clear: a community-oriented venue where art could be a catalyst for dialogue, learning, and healing. The gallery regularly hosts art shows, musical performances, spoken word events, and other creative expressions. But more than just an event space, it strives to be a bridge—between Indigenous and settler communities, between artists and learners, and between past and present.
“We want to be a safe place to ask questions and learn firsthand,” Groening explained. “Somewhere public, where people meet and grow together.”
That includes mentoring artists who may be just beginning their cultural or creative journeys. As someone from the Sixties Scoop, Groening knows all too well the challenges of reclaiming cultural identity.
“When I started reconnecting with my heritage, I was looking for mentors. But I mostly found others like me—urban Indigenous people who didn’t grow up with their culture. So, we’re trying to pair experienced artists with those who are searching, and it’s already working. We’ve seen real connections form.”
One of the more striking things about Native Art Renaissance Gallery is its approach to the idea of “belonging.”
“Belonging is more than being included or accepted,” Groening said. “Included means someone gave you a seat at the table. Accepted means you’re allowed to speak. Belonging means you can share your honest thoughts and know you won’t be removed. That’s the feeling we try to create here—where people can ask hard questions and be heard without judgment.”
Cultural teachings are also woven into the very fabric of the space. One of the most important lessons Groening shares is about Turtle Island—a name many Indigenous nations use for what settlers call North America.
“When I ask people where they live and they don’t know the story of Turtle Island, I see that as an opportunity. It’s not about embarrassing anyone—it’s about opening a door. The legend of Turtle Island is shared across many nations, and it reminds us that we live in connection with one another, on shared land.”
That belief in interconnectedness also shapes the gallery’s hopes for future partnerships—with artists, elders, knowledge keepers, schools, businesses, and community organizations.
“We want to be a gathering place,” he said. “Open mics, book clubs, community meetings—anything that brings people together, we want to support.”
Of course, running an Indigenous art gallery isn’t without its challenges. Funding, as is often the case, has been scarce. “We were under the impression there would be more financial support,” Groening admitted. “So right now, we’re sustaining the space through art sales—and we don’t charge a fee to other artists. We want them to have a fair shot at earning a living while also learning and teaching.”
And yet, despite the hurdles, there have already been powerful reminders of why this space matters.
“There was a woman who passed by one night while she was going through something. She spent half an hour just looking through the windows at the artwork. Later, she came in and told us how much peace it gave her. Then one morning, I came in and found a single pink rose left on our gate. That was it. No note. Just a gesture. It really stayed with me.”
For James Groening and the team behind Native Art Renaissance Gallery, it’s moments like these that affirm the purpose of the work: to create a space that uplifts, invites reflection, and offers a sense of belonging—not just for Indigenous people, but for anyone who walks through the door with curiosity and care.
“We want people to sit, stay a while, talk, ask questions. This isn’t just a gallery—it’s a space to breathe.”
And in a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, that kind of space might just be art in its truest form.
James will have an open market at the studio May 3 from 11am - 5pm as part of a collaborative community event with 4 other markets called :
