Sharon Rose Kootenay, a Métis artist from central Alberta, has been named as the province's artist in residence for the coming year.
Kootenay will work on a project in response to people's increasing comfort levels with gathering together after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has two parts – Kihohkewin // Gone Visiting and Pihtikwe // Come In!
Kootenay will create beadwork and mixed-medium pieces that interpret travel highlights, such as visiting friends and relatives and exchanging gifts and teachings. She will also invite guests to come for tea and conversation, while trying their hand at traditional crafts.
She received the Alberta Craft Council's Biennial Craft Excellence Award in 2021 and, along with with collaborator Jason Symington, was shortlisted for the 2021 Anne and Eldon Foote Visual Arts Award, which is given to Edmonton artists.
Kootenay is a founder of the Aboriginal Arts Council of Alberta, which facilitates traditional arts instruction and cultural retreats for Indigenous youth and women.
Learn more about Kootenay's work here.
Source: Government of Alberta