Jamie Gentry: Blossoming
On view from February 28 – May 24, 2026.
Opening Reception
February 28 / 12–3 pm
Curated by Aliya Boubard
This solo exhibition spotlights the work of Jamie Gentry, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist based on Vancouver Island, whose practice is rooted in patience, precision, and deep personal meaning. On view is a striking series of moccasins, each entirely handmade and adorned with intricate, lifelike floral beadwork that reflects both technical mastery and reverence for the natural world.
For more than twelve years, Jamie has created moccasins by hand, often collaborating with clients through highly customized beadwork. In this exhibition, however, she turns inward, creating solely for herself rather than for sale. These works mark a powerful shift in her practice: a journey of self-discovery, growth, and the deliberate act of making art as a gift of joy to oneself.
The exhibition also features large-format photographs that place the moccasins within the landscapes that inspired them, offering a poetic dialogue between object and environment. Together, the works invite viewers to consider care, intention, and the beauty that emerges when creativity is guided by personal freedom.
🔴 Artist Bio 🔴
Photo by Kimberly Kufaas
Jamie Gentry is Da’nax’daxw from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. She was born and raised in Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island and was fortunate to grow up immersed in culture and surrounded by talented artists.
From a young age, Jamie was drawn to the arts, including music, dance, drawing and painting, but was especially drawn to working with her hands. Sewing, beading, and weaving became natural forms of expression for her. For as long as she can remember, she always wanted to make moccasins. It wasn’t until she moved to Sooke that she was able to find a teacher, and from that day forward, she hasn’t stopped.
Jamie’s culture and the natural world are major influences in her work; she strives to infuse the energy of both into everything she creates. Her goal is to make pieces with meaning, heart, and intention, while building meaningful connections through moccasin-making. When people connect with the maker and the object, they are more likely to value and care for it – reducing waste and honouring the life of the materials. Through her work, she hopes to contribute something meaningful, build connections and share culture.
Each pair of moccasins she creates is custom-made. She does not cut into her hides until she knows who the moccasins are for, allowing her to put thoughtful, specific intentions into every pair. Jamie creates traditional, custom moccasins for modern-day living, with a focus on style, comfort, durability, and an emphasis on sustainability. Every pair is cut, beaded, sewn and carved by hand, and infused with love – making every pair truly unique.
Visit Us
We are located at 639 Hornby Street (between Georgia Street and Dunsmuir Street) in Downtown Vancouver. We are a little hard to find as our entrance is in a courtyard. Look for the sandwich board on Hornby Street and climb the short stairway.
A wheelchair accessible path is also located between Christ Church Cathedral and Cathedral Place on Georgia Street. This takes you through the courtyard and to the Gallery entrance.