Laura Admussen

Was born in Mohkinstsis (Calgary Alberta) where she currently lives and works. Committing herself to life as an artist at the age of 5, she’s worked ever since making her fantastical visions a reality. She was able to nurture her passion for fine-craft traditions while studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts at NSCAD University and has continued her education in the fields of art therapy, textiles, psychology and spirituality.

She uses intuitive and therapeutic art processes that are guided by ritual, symbolism, play, and an experimental approach to materiality. Her work reflects a desire to provide personal and collective healing through the visual arts and creating curious reflections of beauty, identity, connection and place.

Saloni Sharma

Saloni’s art embodies her personal journey and deep commitment to community. Through her work, she explores themes of roots, migration, and the need for mutual understanding and acceptance of differences. Inspires by her South Asian heritage, Saloni integrates sustainable practices into her creations, reflecting her passion for preserving culture while promoting a shared, inclusive future.

Laura Admussen

Laura Admussen was born in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Alberta) where she currently lives and works. Committing herself to life as an artist at the age of 5, she’s worked ever since making her fantastical visions a reality. She was able to nurture her passion for fine-craft traditions while studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts at NSCAD University and has continued her education in the fields of art therapy, textiles, psychology, and spirituality.

She uses intuitive and therapeutic art processes that are guided by ritual, symbolism, play, and an experimental approach to materiality. Her work reflects a desire to provide personal and collective healing through the visual arts and creating curious reflections of beauty, identity, connection, and place.

Saram

Saram is an emerging artist born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. Graduating from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Saram primarily utilizes acrylic paints in their creative process. Drawing inspiration from their experiences as a member of the queer community, Saram deeply values the significance of community and connection in their work. With a lifelong passion for art, Saram is committed to producing pieces that resonate with viewers on a personal level. Each artwork is imbued with the intention of forging a connection with every observer, aiming to evoke emotions
and spark meaningful dialogues. Saram’s dedication to their craft is evident in their pursuit of creating inclusive and relatable art that speaks to the heart of the human experience.

Clare Hildebrandt

 I describe myself as “polycraftamous” – I haven’t met a craft I haven’t tried. My neurodiversity has allowed me to approach each craft with a unique perspective. My mantra is “if someone else can do it, why can’t I?”.  I believe that part of learning is being open to failure. No craft continues to teach as much humility as ceramics.

I believe that the best way to learn a craft is to dive in and start creating. I have taken continuing education courses at Alberta University for the Arts, Olds Community College and the City of Calgary. Social media has also been a valuable resource for me, as it allows me to connect with other crafters and learn from their experiences across the world. I have been fortunate to have talented mentors who have shared their knowledge and expertise with me and encouraged me to continue to follow my dreams.

As a child, I believed that I wasn’t artistic – I had difficulty following instructions in class and producing the same diagram expected of us all. However, I have always embraced the desire to learn and to make things with my hands. Initially, my reasons for learning a craft were purely functional. While I have dabbled in many mediums, ceramics has held my hyperfixation the longest – as it continues to teach me humility each day in new ways. 

2020 set me on a path to recognize myself as an artist – my work across all mediums focuses on finding joy, building strength, and sharing love of learning from failure. In 2022, a small insurance settlement allowed me to set up my own home-based practice. Clarey Bomb Studios was born – a place to reflect, a place to heal, and a place to throw some mud around. Hope and joy are reborn every time my pottery wheel spins.

https://clareybombstudios.com

Tazim Esmail

My Tiny Gallery exhibit is from a project I participated in;

I created my mask as part of a larger project “Bridge” by Katie Green in 2018. Learn more abot this project here:

https://vimeo.com/464076462/6d1e924a1d

The whole video explains how the art was made and the participants experience doing the project. 

You can see me 3 minutes into the video.

Tazim Esmail holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies and English from the University of Calgary. She has studied 6 years of Creative writing with prestigious authors like Suzette Mayr, Aritha Van Herk, Christian Bok, Robert Majzels and Clem Martini. A book written by her has been sent to the publishers. Her work has been published in a number of print and online publications, and chapbook anthologies. She has recited poetry at numerous events, including the Calgary Multicultural Centre’s Silk Road Festivals held at the Arts Commons Centre, where one of her poems was featured on the invitation card. Tazim is also a Visual Artist, whose art and poetry have appeared in the NoD Magazine and at public exhibitions. Her art was recently accepted for Humainlogue Magazine and is currently displayed in public spaces throughout Southern Alberta.

Krista Kirkpatrick-Hatch

Krista is a self-taught Calgary-based mixed media artist that specializes in acrylic, watercolour, and alcohol ink creations. Krista uses art as a self-care method and way to express her emotions and experiences as a mother, PMADs survivor, bereaved daughter, and recovering perfectionist.

When not creating, Krista is a manager in the disability sector and a postpartum doula. She is a mother of a 3 year old little girl and her 2 step sons and wife to an incredibly supportive husband.

https://kkhart.ca

Channon Lynch

My artwork consists of a variety of pieces inspired by nature, with a touch of whimsy. I work primarily with watercolors, acrylics, and paper, specializing in creating miniature paper collage scenes. My overarching creative objective is to bring a sense of simple joy and playfulness through my artwork

Kara Fredrickson

Meet the heart and soul behind Prairie Witch Fibre, a dedicated artisan deeply connected to the natural beauty of the prairie landscape. I have been knitting and crocheting on and off for the past 20 years, a craft taught to me by my grandmother. My journey began with a simple vision: to immerse myself in the vibrant colours and textures of fibre, creating pieces that inspire and connect us.

Much of what I create is based around comfort and a love of colour, aiming to bring warmth and joy into every piece. The vibrant hues and soothing textures are designed to evoke a sense of peace and happiness, making each creation a comforting companion in daily life.

For me, fibre art is more than a solitary pursuit; it’s a way to connect with others, share stories, and build a supportive community. While we each bring our own unique styles and techniques to the craft, it’s this diversity that enriches our collective experience. At Prairie Witch Fibre, every project is an opportunity to express individuality while being part of a larger tapestry.

Through Prairie Witch Fibre, I am dedicated to nurturing a space where creativity thrives and friendships bloom. Whether you’re an experienced fibre artist or just beginning your journey, I invite you to join me in weaving tales of beauty, warmth, and enchantment, one stitch at a time.

http://prairiewitchfibre.com

 

Honey Jalali

 Honey Jalali is an Iranian contemporary activist artist based in Calgary, Alberta, since December 2020. She works across various mediums including installation, digital and acrylic painting, poetry, collage, and photography. Her creative expression derives from her thoughts, fears and dreams.

She obtained a Master’s Degree in Visual Communication at the Art and Architecture Azad University of Tehran and has been teaching visual arts at the university level for 15 years. Ever since her relocation to Calgary was quickly followed by the pandemic, she has continued with her art practice, including participating in Arts Commons’ RBC Emerging Artist and ICAI mentorship program.

Honey believes in art therapy that serves as a tool for healing. She explores memories, good and bad, through creative multimedia artworks. She wants to show stories about individuals, humanity, suffering, love, and real life all over the world.

Hanieh Jalali