Hidden Gem: Friends United Gallery in Richmond County, Nova Scotia

 

Friends United Culture Centre’s Gallery is a hidden gem in the landscape of Richmond County, Nova Scotia. This gallery is nothing like you will find anywhere else in Cape Breton, maybe not even in the rest of Nova Scotia, maybe not even in any of the Maritime Provinces. This gallery is state of the art, housing the incredible artwork of our first nations artists.
Friends United came about because of one man’s insight and dream of bring the art work of our indigenous people to the world. Giving the First Nation’s amazing artists a platform to present their work. German born, Rolf Bouman, immigrated from Germany to Canada in 1986, in his opinion the first nations people were impoverished and underappreciated. He also felt that there was still a prejudice attitude towards first nations people, which cause hard feelings between the first nations and the rest of North Americans. So he set out to work towards correcting this, and giving these talented artists a place on the world stage, drawing attention to their art work and culture.
After many years of determined work and efforts, he secured long term funding to establish the Friends United Initiative in 2009. Through this initiative First Nations artists have been able to present their works to the world and gain well deserved exposure and recognition. This has enabled them to become ambassadors for their people and role models in their communities. Many have become very successful entrepreneurs through the business education programs and funding that they have received through the Friends United Initiative.
Rolf Bouman and Friends United desire to see the elimination of misconceptions and prejudice towards the First Nations people and to promote equality, and respect among all people, cultures and races, by sharing the spiritual and deeply meaningful stories of the artists displayed through their work.
But don’t take my word for this, come to the Friends United Gallery located in Richmond County and view the amazing display of art work, created by some of the most talented artists in Nova Scotia and Canada. Let the work touch your soul and gain a whole new appreciation and insight into the art of our First Nations Peoples.
The directions to the Friends United Cultural Centre, from St. Peter’s is take route 4 through River Bourgeois and on to Grand Anse and continue until you see a sign for Holgers Lane, turn left onto Holgers Lane and the Centre will be on your right. This hidden jewel of Richmond County is the glimmering light that shines on our native culture, and needs to be shared with the world.