Lori Ulriksen presents the lifetime membership to Roger Jerome. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

honorary membership

Artist recognized for contributions to art, community, and northern life

Nov 24, 2025 | 4:47 PM

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to art, community, and northern life, Métis artist Roger Jerome received an honorary lifetime membership last week from the La Ronge Arts Council.

“That was wonderful. I couldn’t believe the turnout in spite of the rain and the ice roads,” Jerome said of the reception held Friday at the Alex Robertson Public Library.

“They did a wonderful job organizing that whole event. I’m just so grateful to have met so many old friends. I don’t get out as much as I used to and to see all these old friends and get a chance to visit my fellow artists.”

La Ronge Arts Council Vice-Chairperson Lori Ulriksen had the privilege of introducing Jerome at the ceremony and she spoke about how he has woven himself into the fabric on Northern Saskatchewan through his art, humour, stories and gentle wisdom.

Jerome was born in England, raised in Prince Albert and he had a love for art at a young age. He was known as the class artist during his school years and later went on to train in commercial art in Brandon, Man.

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“As a young man working at Anglin Rouyn mine, his first foray into the North, he was intrigued by the vivid colours, textures, and patterns that were found within the drill cores,” Ulriksen explained in her speech.

“That moment sparked his creative imagination and passion for art.”

Throughout the years, Jerome worked as a graphic artist, owned and operated a sign and screen-printing shop in North Battleford, created signage for 51 Safeway stores, taught classes in Ile-a-la Crosse where students created murals and sandblasted cedar signs, and taught art in La Ronge.

A major highlight for Jerome came in 2005 when Queen Elizabeth II unveiled his Saskatchewan Centennial Mural at the Legislature Building in Regina. The mural shows a First Nations couple canoeing on a river in the forest of Northern Saskatchewan.

Roger Jerome’s Saskatchewan Centennial Mural at the Legislature Building in Regina. (La Ronge Arts Council)

“Through art, storytelling, and laughter, Roger Jerome continues to live a life full of colour and texture, much like those first drill cores that sparked his creative journey so many years ago,” Ulriksen noted.

“His creativity, generosity, and humour have left an indelible mark on the people and places of the North.”

Jerome is currently working on two pieces for the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Council’s upcoming Invisible Winds exhibit. He also has a number of unfinished pieces he’d like to complete sometime soon.

If anyone is interested in purchasing Jerome’s art, he has a couple of pieces currently for sale at Air Ronge’s Cravings Late Night Food.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com