Local Artists Wanted!

Kritsana Naowakhun and Alma Louise Visscher have been selected as the two mentoring artists for the 2016 Artist in Residency (AIR) program.

 “The program has expanded its focus to include a mentoring element to help inspire and grow the skills of local emerging artists,” said coordinator Michael Beamish. “The mentorship will culminate with a final exhibition at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery presented by the Kirchner Family Corporation.”

Local artists can apply to one or both of the available mentorship sessions. In addition to receiving mentorship from a recognized artist, successful applicants will have access to free studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre, art supplies and the opportunity to have their work displayed during the final exhibition.

Applications for the AIR mentorship program must be received by 4 p.m. MST on April 29, 2016. For more information, please visit www.rmwb.ca/AIR.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS (Chilikoot Trail Artist Residency)

Yukon Arts Centre

The Yukon Arts Centre (YAC) is a not for profit charitable organization dedicated to the development of the arts as an important cultural, social and economic force in the Yukon. We intend to be a model for the development of the arts in the North and a stimulus for a vibrant and creative territory. YAC is the territory's premier venue for performing and visual arts.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS (Chilikoot Trail Artist Residency)

DEADLINE: February 4, 2015 (UPDATED DEADLINE)

Are you or someone you know an outdoor enthusiast and a visual artist? If so, the Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program might be a great opportunity for you!

This unique artist residency is a chance to hike the historic Chilkoot Trail from Alaska into Canada and make art.

Artists are encouraged to apply online at: http://yukonartscentre.com/programs/chilkoot_trail_artist_residency_program

Please feel free to contact me at chilkoot@yac.ca or at anne.deck@yac.ca with any questions or concerns.

We hope you will share this information with your members and fellow visual artists. Please feel free to let us know how you choose to pass this information along!

Artist in Residency-A Glimpse Into their BUSY Summer Schedule!

This summer, four fantastic artists are promoting and creating art throughout the region as part of Wood Buffalo'a Artist in Residency (AIR) program.

Liana Wheeldon, Penny Chun, Mandy Wills and Reinalie Jorolan are this year's Artists. 

The next time you are visiting Mac Island, why not take a moment to pop into their Snye Studio to see what they are up to? The studio is located in the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery, just outside the fitness centre. 

In addition to their Artist Talks and weekly Open Houses ( click  here to see the schedule), the artists are also engaging with the community and participating in special events throughout the summer!

Last week, the Artists  partnered with a local organization to provide programming for children. On July 14th, the Artists spoke to the children about the importance of art and respecting other people's work. The activity consisted of making "Super Hero Foxes", with each child making a "superhero" fox that had the power of such qualities as kindness, politeness, and respect. This activity also provided awareness on recognizing and respecting public art.

The Artists also participated in the new Municipal beautification initiative called BAM (short for Business Ambush), where volunteers makeover local businesses using locally sourced materials, to show the impact and affordability of beautifying storefronts. The Artists showcased their talents by painting a dumpster at the Centre of Hope. You can check it out for yourself the next time you walk or drive along Franklin Ave, or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/woodbuffaloair 

In the upcoming weeks, the Artists have a busy schedule.

During the August long weekend, the Artists will be participating in the YMM ArtFest (August 1- 3). 

On Friday, August 1, the Artists will be hosting "AIR Studio Conversations" from 7 pm to 9 pm at their Snye Studio. You are invited to attend, learn about the artists’ work, and enjoy delicious tapas with the new friends you meet!

On Sunday, August 3, the Artists will be part of "Art in the Park"  at the newly opened Marine Park from 12 pm to 4 pm. In addition to all the other exciting events planned for the day, the Artists will have a Children's Craft Corner where you can take home an illustrated colouring book created by one of our resident artists!

Make sure to tune in to Mix 103.7 fm on August 18th at noon, when the Artists will be talking with Shauna MacKinnon during McMurray Matters. 

On August 27, while you are attending the Urban Market at the Jubilee Centre, keep an eye out for the Artists, who will be holding a special event from 5 pm to 7 pm. 

Lastly, be sure to attend the opening of the Artists exhibition "FOURSIGHTS" on August 28, at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery at 7 pm. This is a collaborative exhibit that will showcase the work each of the Artists have accomplished over the summer. 

If you want to learn more about the artists or the AIR program, visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist or follow the Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency on Facebook to get daily updates!

Artist in Residency Open House TOMORROW

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency are excited to be hosting an Open House at their Snye Studio in the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery on Thursay, July 17, 2014 from 2 pm to 6 pm. 

Come meet the resident artists: Liana Wheeldon, Mandy Wills, Penny Seilyon Chun and Reinalie Jorolan. 

Every week you will have a chance to see the artists at work and learn more about the artistic process. 

Everyone is welcome!

Visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist for more information about AIR and the artists. 

Wood Buffalo AIR Artist Talk - Sonia Burke Smith

Join us on Wednesday August 7, 2013 to learn about Sonia Burke-Smith, one of the artists who is working in the Fort McMurray Studio during the 2013 Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency Program.

Sonia will discuss her process and background and how her art has influenced the world around her.  Join in the discussion and participate in the activities that Sonia has planned.

When:  Wednesday August 7, 2013
Location: Athabasca Room (in the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery)
Time: 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the program, visit:  www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency - Fort McMurray Studio Open House

The Artist in Residency Fort McMurray Studio open house has been moved from its regular date due to the Holiday Weekend.

Visit their studios at the Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre (Room AC 132) On Tuesday August 6, 2013
4:00pm - 7:00pm

You will get a chance to speak with Bree Mackin, Sonia Burke Smith, Luke Maddaford and Christian Villacillo.  Learn all about the great work they are creating and their upcoming group show, which opens on Thursday August 29, 2013 at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency - Meet an Artist

Christian Villacillo - Fort McMurray Studio

Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency 2013

Christian Villacillo was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines. At the age of twenty, he immigrated to Canada with his family and now considers Alberta home. It is here, in Alberta, where Christian chose to begin a career in the arts. Christian received his Visual Arts & Design Diploma from Keyano College in 2011. Since 2012, he has worked in the Keyano College Printmaking Studio as a technician and art demonstrator. 

While he was still a Visual Arts student, Christian began to be noticed at home and abroad. His work has been published internationally in photography magazines, he has been featured in art websites, and he has been interviewed extensively about his aesthetic and processes. He has exhibited in both solo and group shows in North America, and his photographs and prints are collected internationally including: the United States; Mexico; United Kingdom; France; the Netherlands; Australia; and, the Philippines.  Christian intends to complete his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking at the University of Alberta, where he will start his 3^rd year in the Fall of 2013.

Studio Location: Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre, Room AC132

Christian  will be giving an Artist Talk on Wednesday July 31th, 2013 at 6:30pm in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist Talk - Featuring Luke Maddaford

Each of the seven artists in the AIR program will be giving a fifteen to twenty minute Artist's Talk over the summer. During their talk the artists will discuss their history, practice and works. After each Talk there will be time for a question and answer period.

Please join us for this free public event and get to know each of the AIR artists during their individual Artist's Talk.

Date:

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Time:

6:30pm

Featured Artist: 

Luke Maddaford from the Fort McMurray Studio

Location: The series will be held in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

This series is brought to you in partnership with the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

YMM Artfest 2013 at Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre!

Please visit www.wbaf.webs.com for more details

Artist in Residency - Meet an Artist

Sonia Burke Smith - Fort McMurray Studio

Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency 2013

Sonia Burke Smith is a self-taught Artist whose dream is to place art and culture as one of the three foundations (culture, science, spirit) for social and economic progress in the region. Originally from Montreal, Que., Sonia spent most of her life travelling and living in northern Canada. She now resides in Fort McMurray, AB with her family.

Since embracing her inner artist, Sonia’s practice rapidly developed. She became an Art Educator through the Royal Conservatory of Music, participated in several group shows, and continues to offer art workshops and afterschool programming. She encourages artist development through the creation of the Boreal Artist Institute, a local non-profit organization. Recently, she tackled the performing arts by acting, writing and directing a one-act play with special need actors.

Sonia's visual art chronicles her journey through Aboriginal-influenced styles and imagery. “I have been blessed with support and teachings from our Aboriginal people. That support came from a local family when I was young and has stayed with me my whole life. I have a great respect for what I was gifted and share that any chance I have.”

Studio Location: Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre, Room AC132

Sonia will be giving an Artist Talk on Wednesday August 7th, 2013 at 6:30pm in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency - Meet an Artist

Donna Bilyk - Anzac Studio

Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency 2013

Born and raised in Saskatoon, SK, Donna Bilyk knew from an early age that her passion in life was the creation of art. Married with 5 children, Donna has moved around Western Canada and, since 1995, has operated her own business specializing in custom picture framing, fine art photography and commission art work. She has had the opportunity to participate in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Canada and her works are held in private and corporate collections.

Her practice incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach. She is inspired by Impressionist artists such as Degas and Manet for their use of light, brushwork and strong compositional elements. Recent exposure to contemporary artists: Richter, Bartlett and Hughes have formed a diverse assemblage to draw upon.

Donna completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts, with great distinction, at the University of Lethbridge in 2011. As the recipient of a SSHRC grant and Graduate Scholarship, Donna has come full circle and enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Saskatchewan. She has successfully defended her Thesis in March 2014 and will attend convocation in June 2013.

Studio Location: Multipurpose Room - Anzac Community hall

Donna will be giving an Artist Talk on Wednesday August 14th, 2013 at 6:30pm in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency 2013 - Artist Talk Series

Each of the seven artists in the AIR program will be giving a fifteen to twenty minute Artist's Talk over the summer. During their talk the artists will discuss their history, practice and works. After each Talk there will be time for a question and answer period.

Please join us for this free public event and get to know each of the AIR artists during their individual Artist's Talk.

Date:

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Time:

6:30pm

Featured Artist: 

Bree Mackin from the Fort McMurray Studio

Location: The series will be held in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

This series is brought to you in partnership with the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency - Meet an Artist

Bree Mackin - Fort McMurray Studio

Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency 2013

Bree Mackin is a textile artists and part-time wardrobe assistant in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) and has a Surface Design diploma from New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD). She has participated in over ten group shows and two solo shows in the Maritimes. Her pieces are mostly created found objects or discarded textiles. 

Studio Location: Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre, Room AC132

Bree will be giving an Artist Talk on Wednesday July 17th, 2013 at 6:30pm in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Reminder - Fort McMurray Artist in Residency Open House

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency participants have been working away in their Fort McMurray studios, and they are looking forward to sharing their work with the community. Come by the Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre (AC132) any Monday between June 17^th and August 26^th, to meet the artists in residency there.

During the Open Houses the artists' studios will be open to the public and the artists will be there working, performing demonstrations in specific mediums or techniques and more. Stop by to meet the artists, ask questions and maybe learn something new.

Date: Each Monday between June 17th – August 26th, 2013
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre (AC132)

Fort McMurray Featured Artists:

    July 8  - Bree Mackin

    July 15 - Sonia Burke Smith

    July 22 - Luke Maddaford

    July 29 - Christian Villacillo

    August 5   - Bree Mackin

    August 12 - Sonia Burke Smith

    August 19 - Luke Maddaford

    August 26 - Christian Villacillo

Everyone is welcome to visit the studio to meet the artists.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency - Meet an Artist

Breanna Fabbro - Anzac Studio

Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency 2013

Breanna Fabbro’s work is an extraction of recognizable forms reconfigured, exploring the possibilities of narratives and space evolving through artistic process.  Dualities of support and restraint, concealment and exposure are drawn upon in order to create visual relationships, and to explore human experience. Abstracted spaces are explored through visual fragments of existing locations that are deconstructed and reconfigured into emotionally weighted spaces and expansive realms of non-reality.

Breanna was born in Vancouver, BC and began studying Visual Art and Art History at Langara College in 2003, and completed her BFA at Concordia University in 2008.  Upon returning to Vancouver, she has continued pursuing her art practice, and has most recently been preparing her portfolio in order to apply for Graduate studies.  

Studio Location: Multipurpose Room - Anzac Community hall

Breanna will be giving an Artist Talk on Wednesday August 24th, 2013 at 6:30pm in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency - Meet an Artist

Nicola Tibbetts - Anzac Studio

Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency 2013

I was born in Pine Falls Manitoba but soon moved to the woods of Ontario and then Vancouver Island. In 2008 I received a BFA from Concordia University in Montreal and then went on to complete an MFA at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University in 2010. Currently I’m living in Vancouver where I teach painting and drawing part-time at Capilano University. I have an active painting and drawing practice in my home where I cultivate a large vegetable garden and keep chickens too.

Studio Location: Multipurpose Room - Anzac Community hall

Nicola will be giving an Artist Talk on Wednesday August 14th, 2013 at 6:30pm in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency - Meet an Artist

Luke Maddaford - Fort McMurray Studio

Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency 2013

Luke Maddaford is an Alberta based interdisciplinary artists.  He is currently studying drawing at the Alberta College of Art + Design in Calgary, and is the director of the Marion Nicoll Gallery.  He graduated from Keyano College in Fort McMurray with a Visual Art and Design Diploma and has shown work around both Fort McMurray and Calgary.

Studio Location: Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre, Room AC132

Luke will be giving an Artist Talk on Wednesday July 24th, 2013 at 6:30pm in the Athabasca Room outside of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (second floor), within the the Suncor Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island Park.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency 2013 Fort McMurray Studio Open House

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency participants have been working away in their Fort McMurray studios, and they are looking forward to sharing their work with the community. Come by the Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre (AC132) any Monday between June 17^th and August 26^th, to meet the artists in residency there.

During the Open Houses the artists' studios will be open to the public and the artists will be there working, performing demonstrations in specific mediums or techniques and more. Stop by to meet the artists, ask questions and maybe learn something new.

Date: Each Monday between June 17th – August 26th, 2013
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre (AC132)

2013 Artist in Residency Open House

The participants in the 2013 Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency Fort McMurray Studio invite you to visit their space during their weekly open house!

Beginning tonight! come to the Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre (past the box office, through the double doors and at the end of the hallway)

Monday Nights

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, Art Studio

Each week, a different artist will be featured and they will be offering demonstrations, talks and other exciting presentations in their studio space.

Tonight, the Fort McMurray Studio Open House will feature: Sonia Burke Smith who will be presenting a a painting activity in the studio

Fort McMurray Studio Artists include:

Sonia Burke-Smith
Bree Mackin
Luke Maddaford
Christian Villacillo

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Artist in Residency 2013

The 2013 Artist in Residency program begins this month!

This year, the program will feature two studio locations: one in Fort McMurray and one in Anzac. The program enables a blend of both emergent and mid-career artists to create and explore, as well as to exchange ideas and insights within a multi-disciplinary environment. The residency includes the studio space (with no associated fee), delivery of a 15 – 20 minute artist talk per artist, demonstration and instructional opportunities.

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency welcomes the following artists to the 2013 program.

Fort McMurray Studio - Opening on June 5, 2013Sonia Burke-Smith
Bree Mackin
Luke Maddaford
Christian Villacillo

Anzac Studio - Opening July 31, 2013Donna Bilyk
Breanna Fabbro
Nicola Tibbetts

For updated information about the artists, studio locations, and Artist in Residency programming such as open houses and artist talks, please visit:

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

For more information, contact: 

Brandi Gartner Culture Coordinator
T: 780.743.7994
brandi.gartner@woodbuffalo.ab.ca