Kiss of the Fur Queen by Thomson Highway has a central art theme. In this novel, art is integrated into the lives of the characters. The modernist movement would indicate that art has the capacity to clearly exist “art for art's sake”. Peter Lamarque observes: “To evaluate a work as an end in itself means to evaluate it for what it is in itself, not for the realization of some ulterior ends.” (para. 19) This commonly accepted view, that art is valued because it is great art, not for its role or function in society, limits the impact of art. This perspective limits and does not allow the profound effects that art creates to emerge. In Kiss of the Fur Queen, art has power: it not simply exists but has a function. The observable function of art in this text is educational, providing identity and ultimately uniting Gabriel and Jeremiah with their cultural roots. Art educates. This education can be both positive and negative, but art can function as an educational tool with lasting effects. A 2009 article in the New York Times titled: “Schools Adopt Art as Building Block of Education” indicates the growing acceptance of how art works in education. In this article, the unique architecture of the building was put to practical use by students “measuring whimsical figures of hot air balloons, paper airplanes, and pinwheels built right into the walls of their school” (para. 1). The architecture also functioned as inspiration for further learning. Additionally, the article documented the perspective of a four-year-old who stated that “When you watch it, it helps you learn.” (par. 20) When Jeremiah looked at the picture of heaven and hell he learned important life lessons. This photo was presented in a residential school... half of a sheet of paper... a novel. The embedded role of a trickster in the novel points to the underlying meaning of art in the brother's life and the concept that this novel itself is a Cree story; it's art. In this novel, a small piece of Native art serves to connect Jeremiah and Gabriel together and to their Native roots. In Kiss of the Fur Queen not only is it demonstrated that art has a function, but specific examples are given. The art in this text works in three main ways. It functions as education, identity and cultural formation. The idea that art can simply exist for art's sake is countered by the fact that the significant functions of art are encountered in everyday life. This novel crystallizes that concept and confirms that preserving and continuing artistic endeavors is necessary not only for the sake of art, but for the many profound implications of artistic functions..