Artists & Performers - Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival

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Visual Artists

Bear Studios

she/her/hers

Bear Studios

she/her/hers

Bear-studios (or Bear for short) is a young queer artist working and living on the unceded traditional territories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Born in Edmonton, but Calgary raised, Bear came to Vancouver to attend Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2022. She uses art to better communicate with and understand the world around her. Through her work, she is able to explore feelings and concepts she would not be able to otherwise. She uses silly characters and bright colors to express complex subjects and cherishes imagination and creativity. Above all else, she wants her work to tell stories and leave viewers with a sense of whimsy.

If you want to keep up with her journey, you can check out her Instagram @_bearstudios !

Charlene (Chuck) Heilman

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Charlene (Chuck) Heilman

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I have a motley set of life experiences that distinctly inform my aesthetic decisions. In the 90s I tore my life apart in the DTES, while working in the margins of the sex and drug trade. I rebuilt my life, and then I spent years helping others do the same. I still live in the DTES. It is my neighbourhood, my community. Although I am a white/settler woman, I am someone with lived experience—having been addicted to crack cocaine and heroin and having been homeless for a portion of the 1990s—my intention is to humanize, not tokenize. My insight into drug use and life on the streets is a pivotal factor in my perspective and my motivation.

Charlie Sandeman

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Charlie Sandeman

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Charlie Sandeman is a multi-disciplinary artist primarily working in ceramics and sculpture. His work usually explores his life experiences as a queer trans person living with mental illnesses. Whether it's exploring his gender identity and what that means to him, or reflecting on experiences navigating society as transgender and bipolar, clay allows Charlie to play with the constant push of trying to live as authentically as he can and feeling the need to conform to society’s expectations of his experience. Using form and vessels to explore the relationship between the "inner" and the "outer" expression of an experience or moment caught in time through clay.

Coco Agecoutay

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Coco Agecoutay

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Courtenay "Coco" Agecoutay was born and raised in Vancouver BC, but her family is from Cowessess Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. As a proud Vancouverite, her work infuses modern concepts with traditional Indigenous themes. She is a survivor of bullying and works to tell her story and create awareness through her art. In recent years, she has been a recipient of the First People's Cultural Micro Grant and the Downtown Eastside Small Arts Grant. Mostly self-taught, she has been creating multidisciplinary works throughout her life. Her goal is to become an accomplished artist and dedicate her life to art.

Echo João Vieira

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Echo João Vieira

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Echo João Vieira is a mad transsexual self-taught textile artist creating textured and evocative tapestries in order to weave their ideas together. They are deeply impacted by the in-between spaces of culture, meaning, gender, sexuality and in/sanity they inhabit, all of which are powerful creative forces as well as a destructive element when they collide during episodes of psychosis. They are most drawn to the intimacy inherent to the process of creating a textile. It is all about connections, from understanding natural rhythms, learning protocols and traditions, preparing, and spinning raw materials, to the patterns that form a woven structure. Previously, Echo has shown work at SLICE gallery in Vancouver (2023), Le Petit Trianon in Lethbridge (2019), and Gallerie Parfois in Montreal (2019).

Eileen Clabburn

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Eileen Clabburn

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The "Original Idea" of Acrylic Mosaic Painting is to provide a transparent display of magnificent color which incorporates light itself as an elemental component of the piece to shine through the painting. Designs are captured within a flexible Acrylic Polymer Resin Base using reflective and transparent elements which are combined together into a mosaic kaleidoscope collage of Mixed Media. Assemblage materials include elements such as foils, wires, marbles, gems, glass, metals, textiles, beads, jewels, colourful plastics and found objects. These objects merge and transition into a single pattern of design as the image evolves. The design is contained within a double-sided transparent frame which is visible to the viewer from each side of the Art work. The array of objects are held together using advanced application techniques which generate a transparent panel and results in a suspended-state of static animation existing within an invisible transparent canvas base. Similar in effect to the play of light through a "Stained Glass Window", the light itself serves to become a part of the art form, enhancing the mosaic colors which merge together to form and create what appears to be a completely new artistic medium. Using reflecting points of light to project and backlight the elemental properties within the Mosaic panel, the scope of transparency, illumination, reflection and shadow is enhanced. The Mosaic appears to be constantly changing in appearance, depending on the angle from which the light is playing on and within the art work, allowing it to remain fresh each time it is viewed, as if being seen for the very first time again, each time it is viewed. This unique visual phenomena mesmerizes the viewer. It effects mood, atmosphere and surroundings of an observer and also appears to have an impact on emotions, creating the phenomena of 'Joy' which uplifts, inspires and positively enhances the wellbeing of individuals.

Erin Audley

Erin/Erin's

Erin Audley

Erin/Erin's

Erin Audley (Erin/Erin) is a filmmaker and artist. Erin was created in the mid 1980’s in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. At an early age Erin discovered the words of Plato and Rene Descartes and was subsequently consumed with existential angst. This angst drove Erin to create things. Dreadful poetry, pottery, paintings, comics, off-key music, photos. All the things, generally executed poorly. After a long period of creation, upheaval, adventure, and significant wandering, Erin decided to embrace the angst and eventually wandered back to the place that Erin is from. It is here Erin resides with a husband and a cat (no relation), and where Erin attempts to make films that explore and explain her angst.

Ethan White

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Ethan White

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Ethan White is a non-binary artist and filmmaker based in Vancouver, British Columbia who hails from amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta–Treaty 6 Territory). Their work spans the mediums of film, photography, digital art, animation, drawing, and painting, and often tackles subjects of humanity’s relationship with technology, gender identity, and their intersections with religion and spirituality. Ethan began their formal arts education at Victoria School of the Arts where they co-founded The Chocolate Milk Art Collective, a film production company dedicated to producing independent short films. Ethan’s most recent directorial venture, The Tap Dancing Fish premiered in November 2023, and is viewable on the Chocolate Milk Art Collective YouTube channel. Ethan believes in the ability of art to affect social change and believes in responsible decision-making when engaging in cultural production. Ethan cherishes the community that art-making brings together, and aspires to be a helping hand for projects, people, and social movements that they believe in.

Eva OK

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Eva OK

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Eva OK is a self-taught artist based in Vancouver. Compelled to experiment and take ideas apart, she has dabbled in many mediums but focuses on acrylics, fibre arts, and printmaking. Her work is informed by neuro-divergence practically and thematically; sensory-motor difficulties have drawn her to low-control techniques such as natural dyes and fluid acrylics. Through disparate mediums and sensibilities, fragmentation becomes a reoccurring theme. The fragmentation resulting from sensory processing issues, the psychic-fragmentation of performing many selves to gain acceptance, and finding each self self is still an outsider. Social fragmentation in an ultra-competitive world that tells us that this is the best that life has ever been. She is inspired by folk-art, paranoids, kooks and weirdos throughout history, and the landscapes of the coast. This is her first time displaying her art.

Glenn Hesse

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Glenn Hesse

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Living in Vancouver is a blend/juxtaposition of urbanism and nature, a combination that inspires me to depict the social and material environment of the city. Creating paintings that spark conversations on all levels provides me with the impetus to continue producing works of art. Glenn is a current supporting member of the Canadian Federation of Artists and a recent graduate of Emily Carr University Continuing Studies in Painting, Fine Arts, and Illustration certificate programs.

Ian Freemantle

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Ian Freemantle

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Ian loves dumpster diving. He is Vancouver based and is grateful to have a Powell St studio to store his treasures at. While working at various jobs Ian became horrified at the waste he saw and started gathering interesting stuff. Untrained, he started creating art to use these “found objects” and deal with all the ideas running around in his head. Fortunately art runs in the family, Ian has two siblings who are also artists. The siblings encourage, critique and sometimes create with each other. They have done three fun shows together. Ian has also shown in multiple juried group shows. Found material is the only artistic driver. The 3D art that is created is made from all types of materials and can be whimsical, puny or political. Ian had started working mostly in metal, but a life upset forced a studio change and the current space is less conducive to metal work, resulting in multiple materials being used. Ian is now retired and can spending more time playing in his studio.

Jacqueline Primeau

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Jacqueline Primeau

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Jacqueline Primeau grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. She has traveled extensively. She has lived in such diverse places as Gold Coast City, Queensland, Australia and Echo Bay on Great Bear Lake, 20 miles below the Arctic Circle. Memories of these travels influence her artwork. Jacqueline was in her first year of studies at the University of Alberta, majoring in Psychology, when she bravely enrolled in a Drawing class as an elective. She fell deeply in love with art and has been enamoured with it ever since. She did not continue at U of A. More traveling to do. Jacqueline says she creates art “because the creative process nourishes me. It is medicine for my soul.” As a single mother, living in in Montreal, Quebec, she ended up pursuing a part- time Fine Arts Degree at Concordia University. After eight years she received her BFA (with distinction). “Art making was essential for my emotional well-being while raising a child on my own.” Jacqueline’s Metis ancestry also influences her artwork and her choice of subject matter. Semi-abstract landscapes are a favorite, where she is trying to portray the feelings the landscapes evoke rather than realistic depiction. Her studies in First Nations history at the University of Victoria inspire some of her ‘activist’ mixed-media paintings. Jacqueline currently lives in Vancouver, BC. She exhibits her work at many of the Art Councils in BC, at the Vancouver Outsiders Art Festival and at the FCA Federation Gallery on Granville Island.

Jason Young

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Jason Young

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Jason Young (he/him/his) is a queer, neurodivergent (AuDHD) mixed-media artist. His work explores the intersections between painting and drawing, art and psychology, self and other. This work is deeply personal for Jason. It draws inspiration from his identity and lived experience while documenting his quest for connection and healing — both personally and collectively. Through art, Jason seeks to heal himself and inspire others on their healing journey. Since 2020, Jason has created abstract portraits and figures (from life) of the queer people he met. These paintings attempt to interpret the subject's identity by transcribing the physical and psychic space between the artist and the subject through intuitive mark-making and color. Using the energy of the moment and the intimacy between himself and the sitter, Jason seeks to find new ways of conveying identities, emotions, and narratives through art. For most of 2023, Jason explored the relationship with self through self-portraits and double self-portraits and figures. Throughout 2024, Jason developed a body of work for the Hammock Residency. His project, 'Young Jason: Emotional Archeology', was a biography of the inner child that examined family narratives, generational trauma, the Father wound, and attachment. In short, Jason translated photographs and memories into paintings while exploring his lived experience with mental health, trauma, and disability. To date, Jason has participated in three group shows; the Queer Art Festival: Community Show 2021 at the SUM gallery, The Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival 2021 at the Roundhouse Community Center, and the Inverted Pyramid Series: Intend To Upend at the James Black Gallery in August 2022. In Spring 2024, Jason had his debut solo show, titled 'Relational /Reflexive' at POMO Arts in Port Moody. For VOAF 2024, Jason will present a selection of works from all phases of his practice over the last four years.

Jasper Berehulke

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Jasper Berehulke

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Jasper Berehulke (he/him), is a two-spirit artist from the Syilx Okanagan territory. He went to UBC Okanagan and Vancouver and finished his BFA in 2024 with the Beau Dick and Ellen Neel Award. In his undergrad he focused on learning oil painting and exploring identity and representation through traditional mediums. Currently he is working in museums as an advocate for Indigenous artists in the industry.

Keeyan Suazo

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Keeyan Suazo

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Keeyan Suazo is a Filipino emerging multidisciplinary artist based in Surrey, the unceded traditional territory of the Katzie, Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and other Coast Salish Peoples. He is currently a 4th year student at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. The themes present in his work are different narratives of transformation, transposition and translation. Within personal narratives of memory, identity and anatomy, and interpersonal connections on familial and communal scales, he investigates and responds to the different systems we are part of and the different systems within each biotic and abiotic body – the intricacies of dialectical materialism. His works were featured in Flash Forward Incubator Program by Capture Photography Festival and Magenta Foundation , Emily Carr University of Art+ Design, Massy Art Society, and in his solo exhibition at Burrard Arts Foundation.

Kim Brake

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Kim Brake

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Kim Brake was born and raised in Newfoundland and relocated to British Columbia in 1996 after receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She held a long standing and rewarding career within the Criminal Justice field however after a second re-occurrence of breast cancer, numerous surgeries and years of cumulative stress and trauma, she suffered a major depressive episode. Rather than “cope”, Kim dove deeply into a life changing healing journey. She discovered the power of time in nature and of self-expression through the arts. Painting, poetry and photography gave voice to her inner authentic self as she began healing deeply stored trauma.

Kim is a prolific emerging artist who connects to her audience through her personal message of healing. Her work embodies feminine energy and seeks to regain balance, harmony and connection with oneself and the world.

In addition to creating large acrylic canvas paintings, Kim has also published her own book of haiku (This Journey of Mine) and collaborated with other writers and artists to curate and create four anthologies (Seaside Syllables, Object of My Desire, Our Seasons of Syllables and Faces of a Goddess; A Collection of Art and Poetry Honoring Divine Feminine Energy).

Kim deeply values time in nature and enjoys hiking and kayaking. She practices yoga regularly and enjoys very precious moments with her two beloved teenagers.

You can find Kim Brake on Instagram@kimbrake333. She also has selected art prints available on the Pacific Arts Market online store.

Klara Leppo

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Klara Leppo

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The work's rooted in my lived experience: big doses of both wonder and trauma. Informed by my indigeneity and its erasure through adoption: bond with landscape and spirit blocked by my upbringing. Trying to find the 'spiritual DNA' of things then reflect it using colours. It's about places: being somewhere in person or in spirit until they burn into my heart. Textile, fibre art, crafts, cultural/folk patterns have strongly shaped my work. I mostly use pens, sometimes on found objects. My neurodiversity/motor-skill struggles mean I can't reproduce patterns exactly, giving the figurative work a whimsical/surreal vibe that I've learned to lean into. Decolonising myself, learning to embrace the animism that has always shaped my perception/beliefs. I talk to flora/fauna, landscape, ancestors/past selves and try not to feel shame about that being 'weird'. I try to balance childlike excitement with getting real about violence/suffering: make beautiful things that tackle painful subjects.

Lauren Angelucci

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Lauren Angelucci

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Living in Vancouver, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, a loyal friend, a teacher, a nature-lover, a traveller, a faith-filled person, a sensitive soul, a neurodivergent woman and an artist. My uniquely-wired brain combined with my life experiences have shaped my perception of the world, which will naturally be seen in the images I create. I see in detail and in vivid colour. Maybe my art is a glimpse into my brain, heart and spirit - an extension of me - so when others love my work and want to put it on their walls, I’m both thrilled and honoured.

From a young age, I loved drawing and designing. I studied art in high school but am otherwise self-taught. It can be hard to find time for creative pursuits, but I am now making it a priority. I have dived in, learning new techniques, trying things out, and selling my art online. In May, I exhibited at the Pancakes and Booze Art Show. The Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival is my second exhibition.

Find me at www.instagram.com/laurenangelucciart

Lera Nyukalova

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Lera Nyukalova

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Lera Nyukalova is a visual artist born and raised in Kazakhstan and based in Vancouver, Canada since 2013. Lera has explored landscapes, still life, oil paintings, mixed-media portraits and virtual reality and is continually evolving her art style.

Lera draws inspiration from personal observations and experiences. In Lera’s art, she strives to explore the intricate relationships between our subconscious world and the conscious universe. Working with allegories of metaphysical topics, nature, science and technology- Lera’s art bridges the gap between the universal connection of the human experience and the world around us.

Lera has worked in two- and three-dimensional media across various industries from commercial illustration, video game concept art, visual development and was an art director on an Emmy nominated animated series.

Lera creates her work through the mix of digital and traditional media, such as Photoshop, Blender, Unreal Engine, gouache, oils, watercolours, ink and pencil.

Linda Haftner

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Linda Haftner

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Linda Haftner is a Vancouver based artist, born in Guadalajara, Mexico. She started painting at a young age when she discovered that art was a way she could express her feelings. Linda works from her home studio in East Vancouver and always looking to create new art pieces.

Linda received some art training but she is mainly a self-thought artist. Her early pieces were oil paintings influenced by some of her favourite artists: Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

Later on, yearning to get back to her roots, Linda’s latest art pieces are influenced by artist Frida Kahlo and reflections of her Mexican culture. It was then that she started experimenting by mixing Mexican folkloric imagery and adding Canadian components from her East Vancouver neighbourhood into her paintings. She creates art pieces that relate a story through images of animals, people and villages with vibrant colours in acrylics.

Linda’s goal is to make pieces that liven up a room, create conversation and display vivid colour. It is also her dream to grow as an artist and be able to find an audience locally and on a broader scale.

Lupo

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Lupo

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Lupo is a self-taught street artist living and working on unceded, traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations. He makes sculpture and paintings out of whatever materials are available. His subject matter ranges from joy and celebration to pain and isolation, but most of his recent work focuses on experiences of erasure (the systemic displacement, dehumanization and devaluing of people, families and communities in the name of profit.). His ongoing work includes a community project called "belovedghosts honoring and making visible the memories of loved ones we've lost to toxic supply, state violence or suicide.

Mahdieh Pourghannad

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Mahdieh Pourghannad

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Matia is an abstract figurative artist born and raised in Iran. Initially drawn to the mysteries of the universe, she pursued physics in university but later found a deep connection to art. She dedicated five years to studying art, including painting and art history. Matia primarily works with acrylics but explores various mediums. Her art features bold brushstrokes and delicate figures, creating a unique and captivating style. Since 2010, she has exhibited her artwork in the Middle East and Canada. Matia is currently based in Richmond, where she not only creates art but also inspires aspiring artists as a teacher, leaving a lasting impact on the local art community.

Messy Meerkat Studio

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Messy Meerkat Studio

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Born in a town called Benoni in the Gauteng province of South Africa, Lucia Steeg emigrated to Canada in 2020 and decided to pursue her passion and launch her art business. Messy Meerkat Studios was officially “born” in 2021.

Her main influences are fantasy/sci-fi and mixed media art. She loves pushing the boundaries of her imagination in creating various pieces. She believes that being an artist is something one is born to do and not necessarily learned at school.

She is currently studying Colour Therapy which she incorporates into her artwork. She uses spiritual card decks to do a reading for each art piece before starting to create. Each artwork has a “birthing” document detailing the Chakras this piece works on, crystals used and their meanings as well as the cards drawn and their meanings and affirmations. Creating art is a profoundly moving and spiritual practice. Art itself is healing, both for the creator and the person purchasing it.

She works primarily in mixed media (including resin) and currently works from her home in Surrey British Columbia. Mediums include clays, fibre pastes, gel pastes, alcohol inks, acrylic paints, mosaic tiles, wood, shells, crystals, and resin.

Michael Serroul

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Michael Serroul

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Kalhwá7acw Mimxat nskwatsitsa, T’it’qet St’at’imc meckan. My sám7a name is Michael Serroul, my St’at’imc name is Mimxat which means little bear. My great grandma is Doreen Copeland, my grandma is Helen Copeland, my mom is Bobbilee Copeland, and I am from the T’it’qet band on the St’at’imc Nation. I’m currently living on the traditional territory of Taleil-Waututha and Squamish nations.

I have been making art basically my whole life, this has included several murals, and many commissions for various purposes. My main mediums are painting, and drawing, both physical and digital. However throughout my career I’ve experimented with wood burning, printmaking, film and music. My style is made up of many elements of different traditional Indigenous art across all of turtle island; as well as elements of graffiti, and street art. My family is from the frog clan, meaning we can adapt to any situation, I believe this is shown in the ethos of my style. I wouldn’t consider it traditional, it’s a modern and urban Indigenous perspective on our art, an evolution. I have had many mentors over the years to help shape my style. including people from my home community, people of Métis descent, and people who are trained in traditional coast Salish as well as Haida art. I’ve learned a lot from street art and graffiti, and in contrast I’ve also learned a lot from classical art and general art history.

Michele D. Arthur

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Michele D. Arthur

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Michele D. Arthur is a Canadian artist of Trinidadian heritage. By the age of fourteen she was immersed in drawing photographs found in fashion magazines. She earned a B.F.A at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), School of Image Arts, where she specialized in documentary photography. In 2004 she was selected by the Direction de l'Action Culturelle, Mission pour les Arts Plastiques et le Patrimoine for a solo exhibition in Paris, France. While living in Paris she spent eight years documenting Paris Fashion Week, cultural events and skateboarding culture. In 2011 her photograph Four Women was selected to be in the Nasher Museum of Art exhibition 'Becoming: Photographs from the Wedge Collection'.

Her new work is mixed-media photo based collage using her own photographs and illustrations. This work is the result of many years of playing with found images and developing a personage of her own. Influenced by the work of Jim Goldberg, Barbara Kruger and Peter Beard her combination of photography, text and illustrations are smart, original and mysterious.

Her clients include: Crash Magazine, Clam Magazine, Bas Kosters Studio, Guava Productions Indonesia, ECM Records and The City of Vancouver. Her work is in the collection of The Wedge Curatorial Project.

Email:arthurmichele5@gmail.com

MigyB

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MigyB

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Miguel Bustamante, known as MigyB, is a self-taught artist based out of Vancouver who grew up between Richmond and Lima, Peru. Coming from an incredibly artistic family he was surrounded and inspired by their works in acrylic, oil, sculpture, ink and mixed media. Painting began as a way to get closer to his family, but quickly blossomed into him finding his true calling as an artist; guided by life itself rather than honing in on one single style. His styles vary from realistic portraits to abstract expressionism keeping himself out of a box working primarily in the acrylic medium. He has many painting commissions under his belt and 2 successful solo art exhibitions including ‘A Spanish Fever Dream’ and The Ecstatic Beauty.’ Both exhibitions packed the venue with his unique mix of paintings and videos, which were inspired by one idea: experiences worth painting about.

Mohammad Shahidi

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Mohammad Shahidi

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I am Mohammad Shahidi, an art enthusiast and creator with a deep passion for visual expression. My journey in the world of art has been a vibrant and diverse exploration, spanning various mediums and styles. From traditional painting and drawing to the exciting realms of digital art and mixed media, I enjoy expressing unique perspectives and ideas through my work .

Art has always allowed me to connect with different cultures and experiences, allowing me to blend influences into my creations. I love experimenting with new techniques, pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and discovering new ways to communicate through my art .

Beyond creating, I enjoy being an active member of the art community. I regularly attend exhibitions, engage with other artists, and study the works of masters to grow and refine my skills continually. For me, art is not just a hobby; it's a lifelong journey of learning, innovation, and inspiration .

Through my art, I aim to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and connect with others on a deeper level. Whether it's a bold contemporary piece or an intricate classical design, my work is a reflection of my creativity and passion for the arts .

Nikhar Dhingra

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Nikhar Dhingra

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Nikhar Dhingra is a Vancouver-based Canadian artist whose vibrant creations reflect her rich cultural heritage and personal journey. Born and raised in Delhi, India, Nikhar channels her experiences and emotions into custom art pieces and prints that are as visually captivating as they are deeply expressive. Her work is characterized by an exquisite use of color, transforming each painting into a unique exploration of self-expression and emotional release.

Art is more than a passion for Nikhar; it is a form of salvation and a medium through which she seeks acceptance and understanding. Her distinctive style and heartfelt approach have earned her a place in renowned exhibitions, including 'LeHangArt Gallery', 'Pancakes and Booze', and now at the 'Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival'. Each piece she creates invites viewers into her personal journey, offering them a glimpse into the transformative power

Paulina Constancia

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Paulina Constancia

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Paulina Constancia (she/her) is a Filipino-Canadian creative spirit who expresses herself through various mediums. Born and raised on the island of Cebu, Philippines, Paulina immigrated to Canada in her early 30s as a self-employed cultural contributor, primarily as a visual artist. Her experience in design and music, combined with her educational background in communications and languages, has shaped her into a visual storyteller who finds form, rhythm, and stories waiting to be told wherever she goes. She creates with the island spirit in her heart, highlighting the essence of things and painting simple joys and genuine connections. Paulina creates full-time from her home in Vancouver, which she shares with her husband, teenage son, and feline companions.

Peisen Ding

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Peisen Ding

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Peisen Ding (he/they) is a mixed-media visual artist and art educator who immigrated from China. Peisen has studied various art mediums, including painting, Chinese calligraphy, photography, ceramics, and printmaking. With a diverse educational background across China, the UK, and Canada, they have also been able to immerse themselves in different cultural experiences. This journey has shaped their path as a mixed-media artist. Peisen is currently the 2024 Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence.

Pooneh Hashemian

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Pooneh Hashemian

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Pooneh Hashemian is an Iranian artist who has been living in Vancouver since April 2023. She holds a bachelor's degree in graphic design. Her artistic journey began in childhood with a drawing class, which led to seven years of art school focused on graphic design.

Pooneh has completed various courses in illustration, papier-mâché, sculptural structures, and ceramics. Her focus on illustration became more serious when she moved to Turkey, where she expressed her feelings and thoughts through sketches, colors, and characters. Migration opened a new chapter in her life, teaching her the simultaneous meanings of growth, pain, joy, and freedom. This search for the deep meaning of freedom is evident in her works.

Her art is deeply influenced by her experiences of migration and Iranian culture, and events like the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. It inspired her to admire the courage of Iranian women in her artworks. After arriving in Canada, Pooneh took her artistic journey more seriously and started a website selling her works and art prints.

She is inspired by the surrealist style and artists such as Salvador Dali and Julia Iredale. She works with mediums including acrylic, coloured pencil, oil, watercolour, and digital. Pooneh is currently working on a collection called "Prince and Princess of Persia," inspired by Iranian legends and stories. She creates her art in a home studio and occasionally works in nearby cafés.

Her artwork can be purchased on her website www.poonjeestore.com . For showcases and updates, you can follow her on Instagram @poonehhashemian .

Ramneet Kaur

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Ramneet Kaur

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Ramneet Kaur is a visual artist from Punjab, India, currently based in Vancouver, BC. Her primary mediums include drawing, textile, and installation. Her practice delves into the interconnections of the human and nonhuman world, reflecting on the relationship of micro and macro, environment and personal identity through an engagement with the natural world. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Government College of Art, Chandigarh in 2019, and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from The University of British Columbia, Vancouver in 2023. Kaur has showcased her work at prominent venues such as the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery and the AHVA Gallery at UBC, as well as in numerous group exhibitions in India.

Ramón Ramos

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Ramón Ramos

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Ramón Ramos is a Spanish artist based in Vancouver, Canada. He works in visual effects for movies and TV series. Before working on paper sculpture, he has been involved in disciplines as diverse as music, illustration, photography, and fiction writing. His photography work on portraits has been exhibited in Madrid and Tenerife, and his novel "Los tiempos del Oráculo" was published in Spain with great reviews.
Paper sculpture was for him a discovery where he was able to apply his knowledge of other arts. That's why he has mastered this craft in a short time, giving his pieces finesse and originality.
Projects during the last year include a commission for a Dubai hotel, an exhibit in the Vancouver Metro area, and an interview for Love Caravan.

RHΞΔ

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RHΞΔ

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Rhea is a visual artist & multimedia designer, who loves art that infuses spaces with bold colour palettes, transforming ideas into experiences. She enjoys experimenting with techniques and discovering technological advancements. Rhea finds inspiration in ancient cultures, the cosmos, and cartoons.

Rhea contemplates the future of civilization and imagines possibilities that capture sci-fi nirvana. In exploring city design, she draws on our relationship to energy, structure, and peace. The process begins with ideation and research, from architecture, to robots, and religions. Her vision is rooted in advancing consciousness, seeking enlightenment, and adding beauty to everyday environments. Rhea creates a version of the world worth exploring.

While art directing concerts and galleries, Rhea’s art produces visual languages through symbolism. Creating to show alternative realities, her work makes one wonder how we may progress collectively. Rhea’s art has been showcased around Ontario, including Clark Centre for the Arts, Capsul Studio, Beatrice Society, Stackt Market, the Centre for Social Innovation and more.

Rosa Chan

She/her/hers

Rosa Chan

She/her/hers

My name is Rosa Chan. I was born in Hong Kong, I have been living in Vancouver for about 36 years. I did two volunteer works at the 3 H craft work company and I also at VGH did volunteer more than 25 years. When I fell, I did not do volunteer work. Now I am using a walker. Now I do drawing, and making hand puppets. I enjoy making hand-puppets because I want to make people happy.

Rose Poon

she/her/hers

Rose Poon

she/her/hers

Rose Poon is a Chinese-Canadian cartoonist and an illustrator, based in Vancouver, BC. She originally immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong with her parents and sibling. Her absolute love of Scooby-Doo, Garfield, Snoopy, and Japanese animation inspired her to be an artist. Rose was primarily a self-taught artist, particularly interested in drawing and painting cartoons. Rose further went to Vancouver Community College and trained as a digital artist. Her comic strips had been published quarterly for the past 5 years in local Mental Health Network Society. Rose, as well, wrote journal books through mental health organizations. Rose took up a stand-up comedy class. The experience was helpful, especially to overcome her fear of public speaking. Furthermore, Rose has had opportunities by speaking up before live audiences and online platforms about her art and disability for comunity arts groups. Rose has experienced inclusion and lived up to her dream of being an artist to a reality. Rose works enthusiastically with fine art paintings, digital arts, textiles, storytelling, and collaborative site-specific performance. Her work reveals genuine evidence of true love towards animals as Rose had developed relationships with dogs at a dog shop where she had worked for many years. Her relationship with animals has always been relatively amicable amid facing a societal barrier in real life. Rose's works have also shown a love of nature, and children. She uses mixed mediums such as watercolour paints and pencils, gouache paints, pencil crayons, markers, ink, and digital paint.

Saad Qureshi

he/him/his

Saad Qureshi

he/him/his

Saad Qureshi is a visual artist based in the unceded lands known as ‘Vancouver’. Using abstract visuals, he aims to reflect the complexities of the mind and their relationship to society. In order to bring a sense of vulnerability to his work, he relies on his own life experiences as a diasporic South-Asian coupled with knowledge gained from an MSc in mental health & addictions.

Zahra Ahmad Akhoundi

she/her/hers

Zahra Ahmad Akhoundi

she/her/hers

Zahra Ahmad Akhoundi was born in 1992 in Tehran, Iran. Due to her lack of familiarity with sign language, she attended regular schools from elementary through high school. After graduating, she took the nationwide university entrance exam and was admitted to the Handicrafts department at Tehran Art University. During her studies, she focused on design and production in the field of handicrafts. She graduated with high honors and continued her education at the master's level, specializing in ceramics. Following the completion of her studies, Zahra established her own ceramics studio in Tehran. At this studio, she not only engaged in retail and custom work but also designed and produced all artworks herself, focusing on creating unique and innovative pieces. Her work emphasized individual design and creativity.

Zahra participated in two conceptual ceramic exhibitions at the Tehran Artists' House. These exhibitions allowed her to showcase various artistic and conceptual aspects of her ceramics work.

In 2023, Zahra immigrated to Canada. In 2024, she held her first exhibition in Vancouver, which was organized in collaboration with the Institute of Disability and Disadvantage. This exhibition featured three of her paintings addressing the theme of deafness.

As a deaf artist, Zahra faces unique challenges that influence her communication and contribute to her distinctive artistic perspective. In addition to her work in ceramics, she is active in photography and painting. Her artworks specifically address social issues and deep human concepts. Through these mediums, Zahra reflects on her personal experiences and emotions, creating meaningful and innovative pieces that tackle social challenges and conceptual themes. Her artistic creations have been praised for their unique blend of cultural influences and creative use of materials.

Zahra aims to expand her artistic endeavors and build new connections within the Canadian art community. She seeks to contribute to cultural exchange and the advancement of contemporary art through her future projects. Additionally, she is involved in various social and cultural initiatives, including educational programs that promote art among youth and increase awareness of visual arts in diverse communities.

Sanaz Ravasani

she/her/hers

Sanaz Ravasani

she/her/hers

Growing up with a mother who was a painter, I was immersed in the world of art from an early age. Despite studying industrial design at the Art and Architecture University of Tehran, my passion for painting remained steadfast. While I dabbled in various artistic endeavours such as jewelry design and photography, and even held several exhibitions in these fields, my heart always yearned for the canvas. In 2020, I embarked on a journey of exploration, delving into different techniques and approaches to refine my artistic style.

After immigrating from Iran, I felt compelled to infuse my cultural background into my artwork. Delving into Persian calligraphy, I experimented with various mediums and discovered that acrylic on canvas resonated most profoundly with my artistic expression. This pursuit has been deeply personal and rewarding, culminating in a group exhibition at the Kay Meek Art Center in March 2024 and another group exhibition titled Northern Vision by Canadian Artist Daily in August 2024.

Homaay.Harmony

she/her/hers

Homaay.Harmony

she/her/hers

Zara Fam works as an illustrator, drawing on the knowledge and experience she has gained over the years to create her art. Based in Vancouver, Canada, she draws inspiration from the city's beautiful natural surroundings. She also incorporates elements from her native Tehran, Iran, and the rich cultural heritage of ancient Persia into some of her works. Raised in an art-loving family, she studied graphic design for her bachelor's degree and pursued a master's in illustration. She has worked in the animation and film industry as a background designer and matte painter for many years.

Since moving to Canada, she has worked on notable films for Netflix. However, throughout her career in animation and film, Illustration has remained her safe space for expressing her emotions and feelings. Themes of womanhood and portraying women's emotions are among her favorite subjects. She is passionate about nature and animals, especially cats 🙂 . Most of her work is executed using digital painting techniques, with prints on canvas and occasionally mixed media techniques. She sometimes dabbles in sculpture using paper-mâché to bring her character designs to life or prints her works on clothing and accessories to make her art more accessible in everyday life.

She also designs macramé wall hangings with a strong understanding of composition and color, which are part of her decorative work. One of the most significant artistic events for her in Vancouver was participating in the North Van Art Group Exhibition, where her piece "Blind Girl" caught the attention of the jury. Her work was featured on posters, banners, and websites as promotional material for the exhibition, a notable artistic honor for her.

Recently, she established her brand, Homaay Harmony, to offer all her artwork in a cohesive format. To purchase her works, you can visit HomaayHarmony's website, her Instagram page, Etsy, or NFT platforms for digital versions. She eagerly looks forward to her art finding a place in the homes of art enthusiasts.

Sarah Chapelas

she/her/hers

Sarah Chapelas

she/her/hers

I am an emerging, primarily self-taught, multidisciplinary artist, born, raised, and currently residing on the unceded traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. My creative explorations include collage, painting, mixed media, drawing, embroidery, and, more recently, ceramics. Art has always been a steady source of comfort and therapy for me, especially as I have navigated significant personal losses, including the loss of a parent.

I find inspiration in many places. Found objects add unique textures and stories to my work. Music influences the mood and rhythm of my pieces. The charm of interior design and the beauty of architecture shape my sense of space and form. History provides endless themes, while antiques and vintage items add a nostalgic touch. Ephemera captures everyday moments that I weave into my art. Nature grounds my work and continuously inspires me. I loved I-Spy books as a child, and I think that love translates into my collages. They invite you to keep looking and discover more with every glance, and I try to bring that interactive quality into my work. My sense of humor adds a playful touch to my creations.

I attended Emily Carr University of Art and Design for two years, studying visual art. Over the years, my work has been displayed in small local independent galleries, public spaces, and at the Burnaby Art Gallery. In 2023, I had my first market experience as a vendor at the Weirdos Market. Since then, I have showcased my work at The Eastside Flea, The Pancakes & Booze Art Show, and at the Slice of Life Art Gallery.

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable” resonates with me deeply. This perspective reflects my aim to create art that provides solace while also challenging and provoking thought, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue with the pieces.

Scout Heckel

she/her/hers

Scout Heckel

she/her/hers

Scout Heckel is a Neurodivergent and Disabled, Multi-Disciplinary and Social Practice Artist. Previously solely a Contemporary Dance Artist, her artistic practice has recently evolved to include visual art mediums, in response to her changing health and sensory needs. Scout is focused on developing a trauma-informed and anti-ableist creative process that: prioritizes nervous system safety, challenges normative models of time, effort, and productivity through a Crip perspective, and values creative process as a healing process; an interconnected and reciprocal relationship at the crux of her research.

Scout’s performance work has been shared through Shooting Gallery Performance Series #9, The Dance Centre’s 12 Minutes Max, and What Lab’s 10:2:10- Material World. Scout currently leads a community-based, cross-sectoral pilot project entitled Expressive Youth Projects, which seeks to connect artists with health and social service organizations to provide accessible and inclusive arts experiences for youth in Langley, BC.

Performing Artists

Ann Kuan Wen Chou

she/her/hers

Ann Kuan Wen Chou

she/her/hers

Ann K. Chou, a Hong Kong-born visual artist specializing in lanterns and wearable puppets, embodies the intersection of her disability and identity as a hard-of-hearing, first-generation settler. Her outsider artist identity roots in being oral deaf, a neurodiverse female, and being self-taught in embodiment expressions and dance moves through community and peer teachings. Her artistic process is profoundly influenced by her experiences and serves as a means to navigate and express herself in a world where she may not always feel well understood. Lanterns, playfully capturing light and evoking emotions, serve as sources of support, sharing, and family bonding. Embracing rebirth through reconstruction and upcycling, Ann's work reflects a playful spirit, promotes accessibility, fosters connections, and breaks barriers, embodying the creative process above all. Combining artistic passion with technical expertise in healthcare and IT, she has recently completed a master's thesis in design (Draw-aloud Symptom: Participatory Personal Health Records) at SFU.

Deborah Charlie

she/her/hers

Deborah Charlie

she/her/hers

Deborah Charlie, Interior Salish, Lillooet Nation: Actor, Dancer

Dancer
- Westcoast Dancer with Alert Bay Nation with Ruby Crammer group
- Plains Dancer at Carnegie Community Centre, First United Church, Vancouver Friendship Centre, drumming, singing, dancing, Plains style
- Dance 101 with Karen Jamieson Dance part if UBC Humanities 101 Program 1999
- 3 years, All Bodies Dance Project
- 19 Seasons with Karen Jamieson Dance, Dance in the Downtown Eastside Program, Dance workshops and performance creation. Original member of the Carnegie Dance Troupe since 2006.

Choreography
- Healing Dance
- Deer Dance with Urban Chant

Fernanda Mascarenhas

she/her/hers

Fernanda Mascarenhas

she/her/hers

Fernanda Mascarenhas is a dance performer, textile artist, natural dyer, graphic designer, and longtime Zen-Buddhist practitioner from São Paulo, Brazil. She began her artistic journey through dance. After graduating from the University, she started working as a graphic designer. At the same time, Fernanda cultivated her dancing career as an interdisciplinary performer before falling irrevocably in love with natural dyeing. As a dance performer, after visiting many approaches such as Laban movement, contact improvisation and dance theatre, she has deeply dived into Japanese culture through her body. Integrating the Fu Bu Myo In group, directed by the Japanese Toshi Tanaka, for over 12 years, she has studied the katas deeply through Seitai-ho, a set of Japanese body techniques, and Noh theatre practices. Katas are basic body postures that we can find in many areas of traditional Japanese culture and religion, such as Kabuki and Noh Theatre, Tea Ceremony, and Zen Buddhism.
In 2016, Fernanda began her research in natural dyeing to develop the costumes of her performance Each Step. This costume won an award, which allowed the artist to travel to Japan in 2017 to learn more about traditional forms of natural dyeing and weaving, besides knowing her teacher’s seitai-ho masters.
Fernanda's work is inseparable from her body and her environment. Engaging with the slow process of natural dyeing in urban areas, she has respected the generosity of nature. She sees the bodies as nature and, other than approach or technique, there is not much difference in how we use and navigate our bodies within a larger cycle of nature. In both performance and textiles, she tries to catch the impermanent and ephemeral pulse of life, imprinting on fabric or body, levels of memory to reveal the sacred nature around us.
Fernanda also runs courses and workshops to teach natural dyeing techniques, such as Botanical Contact Printing, and organizes workshops to share her singular approach to body, movement, meditation and sensibility.

Francis Baptiste

he/him/his

Francis Baptiste

he/him/his

A washed-up, divorced, recovering alcoholic tries to balance being a single father and being a middle-aged musician.

In 2022 Indigenous songwriter Francis Baptiste released his debut album, Sneqsilx (Family), an album that features songs sung in his native language Nsyilxcən [nah-silk-sen], the endangered language of the Syilx [see-ilks] people. The 10-song album was his effort to preserve and connect with his heritage. The chance to reconnect with his roots helped him through turbulent times.

Baptiste’s sophomore LP is set to release in Summer of 2024. The new work continues to feature songs in the endangered language of Nsyilxcen. It also continues to explore themes of addiction and Indigenous identity in the face of estrangement and assimilation.

houseguest

she/her/hers, he/they/she - MJ

houseguest

she/her/hers, he/they/she - MJ

"houseguest is an all-trans indie rock band based from the unceded Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh territories. Formed in 2023 and comprised of MJ Laing (guitar/vocals), Elizabeth Black (guitar/vocals), Rachael Waldock (bass/keyboard/backing vocals), and Caitlyn Kavanagh (drums/backing vocals), their brand of off-kilter indie rock stitches together moody guitar hooks and an intimate rhythm section underneath evocative, candid lyrics.

houseguest has been described as "transatlanticism-era death cab but with a harder edge by way of 90s lilith fair bands, doused in chorus and with a sprinkling of queer punk."

Their debut double A-side single was released April 26th, 2024 and they are hard to work on the follow-up!"

Iskwew Singers

she/her/hers, she/her/hers

Iskwew Singers

she/her/hers, she/her/hers

From Mexico City’s Ollin Kan World Music Festival to Sarawak, Borneo’s Rainforest Festival, Iskwew Singers (pronounced Is-kway-yo) are on the move! Formed in Vancouver, the ensemble was created to perform in 2006 in Pau, France for the First International First People’s Festival and Forum. They have continued gracing stages locally, nationally and international ever since that original festival! Iskwew Singers are a trio of First Nations women who create and perform songs in the plains tradition that tell stories of the connection to the earth, the Creator and one another. The heartbeat of mother earth is heard through their hand drums, underscoring a message of culture from a people who have survived the impacts of colonization. Coming from the Cree, Nation Shakti Hayes is joined by Métis singer Sandy Scofield and Cree singer Kelsey Wavey – each has an active career in other forms of music and art. Through Iskwew, these powerful singers bring the songs and sounds of their rich and vibrant culture to the ears of the world. Songlines describes their vocals as “glorious and thrilling.” The Georgia Straight says, "When the three sing together, their collective joy and pride is magical. They're all strong women, and powerful ambassadors for First Nations culture." Ethnocloud.com, world music site says, “A fantastic Canadian trio of First Nations women!”

Kagan Goh

he/him/his

Kagan Goh

he/him/his

Kagan Goh has found his voice as a spoken word artist, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Vancouver’s spoken-word scene. Among his peers, he's been half-jokingly and half-seriously dubbed the bipolar poet laureate. With his own experiences with bipolar disorder, Goh advocates for the validation of all emotional reactions, seeing them as essential phases in the journey toward recovery and self-acceptance.

As a Singapore-born Chinese Canadian, with a portfolio spanning published memoirs, plays, screenplays, essays, poetry, and short stories, his works have been featured in various anthologies, periodicals, and magazines. Goh has graced numerous poetry slams, readings, open mics, and festivals, including prestigious events like the Vancouver International Storytelling Festival and Word on the Street. Additionally, he has made appearances on platforms such as CBC and Co-op Radio.

Goh's personal mission revolves around raising awareness of mental health issues and combating the stigma attached to mental illness. Through his spoken word performances and storytelling, he delves into themes and narratives derived from his own experiences with bipolar mood disorder, also known as manic depression. His upcoming performance will feature readings from his recently published poetry manuscript titled "NOTHING IS FORGED WITHOUT FIRE."

Mason Meghji

he/him/his, they/them/theirs

Mason Meghji

he/him/his, they/them/theirs

Mason is a 33 year old BIPOC artist who resides on the Unceded Coast Salish Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Mason has been writing poetry since they could hold a pen and has been performing spoken word since 2009. Having the opportunity to take part in different spoken word festivals, writing residencies, mentorships and collaborations, these opportunities have also led Mason to combine different mediums of storytelling such as: painting, zine making, collage making and dance in combination with poetry. As a young brown transgender kid growing up without gender affirming care resources, spoken word, poetry and writing offered me a space to write and speak without censorship on social issues that were impacting my communities and myself. Attending the Voices of Our Nation Residency in 2016 allowed Mason to connect with other LGBTQ BIPOC artists transnationally who he still collaborates with and writes with to this day. Growing up with undiagnosed chronic pain for two decades has also largely influenced my work, in addition to the experiences I have had with racism and transphobia that I have dealt with. Performance and poetry spaces have often left me on the outside of the margins, which is why I love VOAF, it makes space for identities on the outsides of the margins Mason is a passionate creative romantic at heart who loves corny dad jokes, reading books under the sun, spending time with his dog, and writing poetry. Currently, Mason is working on a visual and poetic memoir on the intersection of race and disability. They are also passionate social worker by profession and work with students in schools, has a passion for social and emotional learning, in addition to creative opportunities that involve supporting students in school, access to art supplies and opportunities that support their creative forms of expression.

Matt Hermano

he/him/his

Matt Hermano

he/him/his

Matt Hermano is an accomplished artist based in British Columbia, born in Vancouver and raised in Surrey. With a musical journey that commenced at the age of 14, he mastered the guitar, honed his vocal skills starting at 17, and began crafting songs at the age of 16. A dedicated performer, Matt frequents open mic events in the Vancouver area and ensures to showcase his talents at local open mics when traveling across Canada.

His performances typically feature original compositions and skillfully interpreted covers, reflecting his diverse musical influences rooted in 70s Motown and 2000s music. This influence is palpable in his soulful approach to singing and his ability to infuse pop lyrics with a captivating depth of emotion.

In September of 2023, Matt released his debut single, "Lost in Your Eyes," a song that originated when he was 18. Despite temporarily relinquishing his musical pursuits to build a life with a past partner, Matt faced personal challenges that led him to rediscover his profound passion for music. Undeterred, he resumed his musical journey, consistently writing and performing original compositions and cover renditions.

Looking ahead, Matt releases his third single, "Ghost me," on july 31st, available on all major streaming platforms. This forthcoming release marks another milestone in his artistic career, showcasing his dedication to the craft and the unique blend of influences that define his musical expression.

M'Girl Music

she/her, they/them/theirs

M'Girl Music

she/her, they/them/theirs

M’Girl is an ensemble of Indigenous women with stories and songs on the gifts received from Mother Earth. Though officially performing together since 2004, their personal musical histories span throughout each of their lives. Their hand drum songs blend harmonies into a contemporary style that reflects both their expertise of voice and their personal story of home. The message in the music is an emergence of cultural worldviews from the perspectives of their Metis Anishnaabe (A-nish-naw-bay) Saulteaux (sow-toe) and Mohawk backgrounds.

i+eo

she/her, they/them

i+eo

she/her, they/them

ephemeral objects is a Chinese-Vietnamese-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, VJ, DJ, and sound artist based in Vancouver. True to her name, her creations carry this sense of ethereality, focusing on textures and organic forms, both ephemeral and suspended in time at once. She merges generative videos with real footage to create her own unique, audio-reactive and abstract style where rich colours, spanning the full spectrum, wash over the screen, streaking the viewer’s mind with a strong image of the audio-visual journey at play. Her approach to live visuals is informed by her academic background, drawing inspiration from cultural theorists like Sara Ahmed and David Batchelor. She is passionate about how live visuals can increase the accessibility and immersiveness of in-person music events. ephemeral objects has performed at festivals in British Columbia, including Fountains, New Forms, Active Passive, and Lobe’s MOTHER CLOUD.

IHA is a Vancouver-based DJ, producer, and the head of NAGA, a banner acting as both label and event promoter. Known in the local underground club scene for their atmospheric, playful and yet cataclysmic sound curation, IHA's sets are multi-layered and shapeshifting to the occasion. Whether it is a DJ set, a mix, or a track release, each of IHA's outputs is unique and centred around experimentation and innovation. Deploying rich, lush and tastefully discreet sonic palettes, their productions range from atmospheric dub, clever and playful techno, to futuristic bass music. Forward-thinking, IHA’s forays have led them to share the bill with artists Rhyw, Om Unit, Atrice, and Blume, as well as features in festivals across the pond: Basscoast, Future Forest, Osmosis, and ADE, amongst many others.

Rishima Bahadoorsingh

Rishima Bahadoorsingh

Drawing upon her unique Indo-Trinidadian roots, Rishima Bahadoorsingh shares her knowledge with those who would like to learn and experience the deep roots of spirituality in Indian music. Initially singing spiritual songs rooted in the temple traditions of bhajans, kirtan, and mantra, she continued to study and perform formal music in both Western and Hindustani classical vocals from a young age. Since 2016, Rishima has been learning Dhrupad (Nāda yoga - yoga of sound) an ancient meditative style of North Indian classical singing that originated from the Sāma Veda. She is taught by Manish Kumar, one of the Dhrupad Bandhu duo and part of the Dagarvani lineage. Rishima has also completed a Raga Therapy certification (India) and is presently working towards a Prayag Sangeet Samhiti (classical Hindustani music certification) with Ajivasan (India) and is in the Masters of Music Education program in Peacebuilding studying music, trauma, and ethnomusicology.

She has sung at local and international cultural and charity events, yoga events, TV interviews, festivals, spiritual centers, temples, and workshops. Rishima also teaches online in Spanish and English. Rishima is a strong believer in the positive impact of music and often integrated in music in her classroom as an elementary school teacher for over 18 years, and as the founder of Sol Community Education Society, supporting rural education in Northern Peru. Rishima continues to be influenced by the many talented musicians and teachers surrounding her.

Sunny Daydream

they/them/theirs

Sunny Daydream

they/them/theirs

Sunny Daydream makes feel-good indietronica to dance and heal to, influenced by the eccentric 2010s music scene, during the reign of online “it” girls. Sunny calls upon the power of nature and wildlife, and wants to stay connected to everything. They believe in making life under capitalism as beautiful and meaningful for as many folks as possible. In 2023, Sunny was awarded a national Honour as a nonbinary rising star by Women in Music Canada.

Terreane Derrick

Terreane Derrick

Terreane Derrick is a community-minded creative. She sees the arts as an intricate part of sharing moments. Her art practice is life-driven expressions with capturing presence, breathing art into being, regardless of the situation. Terreane expresses herself by putting pen to the paper page through film, poetry, sketching, writing, storytelling, or simply for the enjoyment of it. Terreane currently lives and creates on the unceded Coast Salish territories. Her motivation is threaded through her upbringing and community engagement with disability in the arts, indigenous arts and culture, and self-governance as a literal way of being.

Art Groups

Alternative Creations

Alternative Creations

Alternative Creations Studio is a collective that supports artists with developmental disabilities. Our studio provides the opportunity for artists to experiment, explore and hone their skills. Since 2013, our focus has been to enrich the lives of our artists, their families and the broader community. We pride ourselves on collaborating in like-minded initiatives, sharing studio space, and connecting with the wider public by hosting community workshops and other events.

We are always seeking new opportunities to build community through art. Our art studio is supported by www.posAbilities.ca

Come visit our studio and gallery 1659 Venables street

MPA Society

We believe recovery is achievable through support, empowerment, autonomy, and responsibility.

In 1971 MPA was formed by a grass roots group of mental patients and like-minded individuals, and began offering housing alternatives and support to people facing the challenges of mental illness. MPA now facilitates housing and support for over 1,000 people in 13 municipalities in the GVRD and employs over 300 staff in 34 unique programs that offer a range of services including advocacy, community resources, homeless outreach, and a continuum of community, supported, enhanced, licensed and housing first programs.

The Art Studios

The Art Studios was originally created as a program of the regional health authority Vancouver Coastal Health. Originally starting in 1992, the program was called "Fiddle Faddle Art Centre" until it was renamed "The Art Studios". Almost 29 years later, the program continues today under the umbrella of Mood Disorders Association of BC, a branch of Lookout Housing and Health Society. The Art Studios is an art-based program for people living with a mental health diagnosis. Through art and mutual support, individuals develop confidence and life skills. The Art Studios offers a safe environment and the sense of community that is so important for individuals who often struggle with isolation. The program consists of in-person and virtual classes and workshops, as well as art therapy. The Art Studios is pleased to continue offering a variety of mediums including: acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, photography, drawing, pottery, and more. We also provide opportunities for peers to mentor, assist, and instruct art sessions.

Partnering Art Groups

Outsiders and Others

Outsiders and Others

Outsiders and Others is a non-profit art Society with a focus on bringing non-traditional artists to the forefront. These artists identify as outsider, self-taught, visionary, intuitive, folk, and artists who identify as living with a disability. Outsiders and Others are showcasing Deborah Leigh's work at the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival. Deborah Leigh was born in Prince George in the early 1950’s. Deborah Leigh didn’t start to draw until she was in her 50’s and is now in her 70’s and more creative than ever. During a period of recovery from an illness, Deborah started to “doodle” to help her relax. These “doodles” quickly evolved in size and in subject matter, from black and white to full colour.

Gifts of Madness

Gifts of Madness

“Gifts of Madness” is an art exhibition that will show the Yin Yang duality of both the negative and positive experience and all the grey areas in-between the complex spectrum of living with a mental illness. The exhibition will explore on one hand the negative aspects of the experience of mental health, predominantly focusing on the stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness, and the trauma and damage suffered by people living with mental illness. As Lauryn Hill, the renowned bipolar musician, put it, our ambition is to “develop a negative into a positive picture.” ~ Kagan Goh, Vancouver, B.C Kagan Goh (Curator): Originally from Singapore, Kagan Goh is a Vancouver-based multidisciplinary Mad Artist: award-wining filmmaker, published author, spoken word poet, playwright, actor, mental health advocate and activist. He was diagnosed with manic depression at the age of twenty-three, in 1993. Kagan is a well-known spoken word artist, essayist and poet, a respected and established voice in Vancouver’s literary community for over two decades. He has been invited to perform at readings, festivals and on radio, and has published in numerous anthologies, periodicals, and magazines.

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