Artist residencies provide local Indigenous artists space and resources to work on their creative and cultural craft in a new, inspiring environment.
Joan Williams
Semiahmoo First Nation artist Joan Williams will be working in the studio September through December. During her residency, she will be focusing on her cedar weaving and public art pieces, as well as creating space and connection with the Kwosen Stl’an Ouk cultural youth group.
Joan studied at the Art Institute of Vancouver and has a number of public art works in Surrey and Langley, including the recently installed Sekuentol on the nearby King George Bridge.
Stay tuned for opportunities to connect with Joan and the Kwosen Stl’an Ouk youth group
Previous artists in residence
Natache Gabriel
A visual artist from Kwantlen First Nation, Natache was the artist in residence during the summer of 2024. She was often seen painting in the pavilion, and she coordinated Matriarchs in the Park, a public drop-in event to connect visitors with other Kwantlen creatives and knowledge keepers.
Roxanne Charles and Chalise McCallum
The two Semiahmoo First Nation artists were the first artists in residence at Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House. In 2023, they worked together and with members of their community to adorn a yellow cedar bentwood chest for the “Honouring our Grandmothers Healing Journey” project. It was an opportunity for healing and to honour Semiahmoo community members tragically lost and to celebrate the strength, power, and resistance that is still there.
Call for interest
Are you an Indigenous artist interested in learning more about residency, project, or program opportunities?
Email totestaleng@surrey.ca.
Contact
Address
13723 Crescent Road
Surrey. BC
Hours
Check the website often for open house dates and program announcements.
Elgin Heritage Park is open from dawn to dusk.