This year, we have a fantastic series of artists who are providing free workshops to local school groups.
Artist in Residence #1 September 25-29, 2023
All my Relations: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – with Christine Mackenzie
Christine Mackenzie of the Kwakiutl Nation is a First Nation Artist and Facilitator. Her mother was born in Bella Coola, BC, and is a part of the Eagle Clan. Her mother was a part of the Sixties Scoop and because of that Christine had a hard time finding her culture and identity, but through resilience and training she found a way back to her Indigenous roots. She finds inspiration in the natural world and in the eyes of people willing to learn and share cultural ideas. Christine creates traditional/contemporary designs with multiple mediums.
Christine has been doing art all her life and has worked as a professional artist and facilitator since 2009. Mentored by Anastasia Henry (Haida elder, artist and facilitator) Christine helps others on their journey of self-identity, Indigenous culture, artwork, protocols, truth and reconciliation. Christine speaks only to her life experience to inform her teachings and supports others to facilitate empathy when working with or learning about Indigenous culture. Christine has worked with multiple school districts and organizations to create the Transit Police canoe logo, a tree pallet display at the Vancouver Convention Centre and murals in New Westminster. Follow her @sneakynativeart on Instagram to see her work.
Workshop Description
Place des Arts is honoured to be hosting Christine Mackenzie of the Kwakiutl Nation for our first Artist in Residence of the season. Cedar is the tree of life, and it is used by Indigenous people for protection, ceremonies and daily life. Explore the power of the cedar bough through drawing and painting. The created artwork will be installed as part of the exhibition, All My Relations. Students will receive a unique, take-home colouring sheet to further explore form and line and create their designs.
Artist in Residence #2 October/November 2023
Embrace & Evoke: Mixed Media Self-Portrait with Empowering Word with Amy Wiebe Lau
Amy Wiebe Lau, a Vancouver-based contemporary abstract expressionist artist, embarked on her profound journey in art with an insatiable curiosity for creation with alcohol inks, resin and various mediums. Working from her studio on the ancestral territories of the Coast Salish peoples, Amy believes in art’s power to drive change, challenge norms and evoke emotions. With strong values of authenticity, empathy and inclusivity, she uses her art as a platform to address and promote social justice.
Workshop Description
This transformative workshop celebrates diversity, self-awareness and inclusion through mixed-media self-portraits. Students explore personal narratives and interconnectedness, using various art mediums to express their unique identities. Adding an empowering word to their self-portraits symbolizes personal growth and resilience. The workshop fosters empathy and meaningful conversations and sparks discussions about equity, diversity and social justice. Students are encouraged to bring personal items. The workshop aims to inspire change and appreciation for the power of art in fostering understanding and embracing individuality.
Artist in Residence #3 February 5-16, 2024
Break Dance with Yoshi Hisanaga
Yoshi is a versatile and innovative Hip hop dancer/ b-boy who values the integrity of Hip Hop culture and Hip Hop dance. Yoshi is a passionate teacher who believes in sharing his knowledge with whoever is interested in the art form.
Dancing since 1999, He has travelled and trained all over the world in Breaking, Hip Hop, Popping, Locking, House, Jazz, and Hustle.
His passion and dedication to the art can be seen performing or battling with his crews Over the Influence, Robson800 and Rhythm Recall. He is an award-winning choreographer and has represented Canada at the Hip hop International Championships in the summer of 2007 in LA and 2008 in Vegas. He is also the winner of the World of Dance Vancouver Hip Hop battle.
Workshop Description
Breaking (also known as breakdancing) is an urban dance style that originated in New York in the 1970s. It is a form of dance sport that blends urban dance with remarkable athleticism. Learn the basic elements of breaking like standing elements known as “top rocks”, some floor elements in “footwork”, and some acrobatics elements in “Freezes.” The workshop will also cover the unique, diverse history of breakdancing.
Thank you to the Hamber Foundation for helping us provide accessible opportunities for local children to experience the arts by supporting our February Artist in Residence.
Artist in Residence #4 May 21-24, 2024
The Wonder of the Blues with Jodi Proznick
Jodi Proznick is a Canadian jazz bassist, composer, educator and producer. In 2019, she was named Jazz Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards and has been nominated for two Juno Awards. She was also a recipient of the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards in 2022.
Jodi Proznick has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s finest jazz artists. She has won numerous National Jazz Awards, including Bassist of the Year in ’08 and ’09. Her group, the Jodi Proznick Quartet, was awarded the Acoustic Group of the Year and Album of the Year in ‘08 and the Galaxie Rising Star at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in ‘04.
Workshop Description
What do B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Nina Simone, Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton all have in common? They are considered some of the greats of blues music. Under the direction of Jodi Proznick, learn about the moody music of the blues. You will also explore the history of the blues, 12-bar blues form, call and response and blues notes. Write a blues lyric collaboratively as a class and compose a blues melody.
Thanks to the Beedie Group for helping us provide accessible opportunities for local children to experience the arts by supporting our Artist in Residence Program.
