Saskatchewan artist Kevin Peeace was in Moose Jaw yesterday talking to, teaching, and painting with students from St Margaret School.

Peeace is an Indigenous artist from Kelvington, Saskatchewan who has a Fine Studio Arts Diploma from UCFV. He talked with the kids, took questions, and then worked on outlining and painting a giant canvas with the students.

Katherine King, Vice-Principal of St Margaret, said it was a treat to have Peeace visit the students.

"The reason we wanted him to come in, his artwork is on the front of the treaty in the classroom. So we started the day with an assembly where he talked about growing up and took questions, then we went into the art room and the grade 3-4 and 4 classroom came in, and with Kevin, they created a theme for the painting."

"We are just always looking for nice ways to teach the children about the First Nation part of our curriculum and we think its extremely important for them to know that, and to know about the treaty commission. Schools in Moose Jaw and Canada are always looking for ways to help contribute to Truth and Reconciliation."

King says the school actually purchased a painting from Peeace, which was unfinished at the time. He then brought in the partially-finished project and finished the work in front of students.

"His big message to the kids was that if you have a dream and you want to do something, never give up. Find ways to do it, find something to do that you're passionate about, and don't let other people deter you from doing it. Find people that will support you, your dream, and to pursue it. Don't be afraid to do that."

Peeace currently lives in Saskatoon and paints full-time.

(Photos courtesy of Catherine King)