Urban Art Biz – Who Are You? with Lori Blondeau – Artist Bios and Statements
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Presented by
Lori Blondeau is an influential contemporary artist of Cree, Saulteaux, and Métis descent from Saskatchewan, Canada, Treaty Four. Since the 1990s, she has established an interdisciplinary artistic practice encompassing performance, photography, and installation art. Alongside her creative endeavors, Blondeau played a vital role in the Indigenous art community as the co-founder and Executive Director of the Indigenous art collective TRIBE, significantly contributing to the prominence of Indigenous art and knowledge in Canada.
Blondeau’s work has been showcased in numerous group and solo exhibitions, earning her recognition as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. In addition to her artistic practice, she has served as an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba School of Art since 2018, where she mentors emerging artists. Her contributions to the field were acknowledged when she received the prestigious Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2021, highlighting her significant impact on the art landscape in Canada and beyond.
In Partnership With
Urban Shaman Gallery is a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous arts programming and one of the foremost venues and voices for Indigenous art in Canada. Urban Shaman is an artist-run centre dedicated to meeting the needs of artists by providing a vehicle for artistic expression in all disciplines and at all levels by taking a leadership role in the cultivation of Indigenous art.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 12 – 1:30 pm
“Why do I need an artist statement and bio? What is the difference?”
These are important questions. While an artist statement describes your art, an artist biography allows you to discuss yourself as an artist.
Both are essential for any creative professional.
Having a concise artist biography and artist statement prepares you for a variety of opportunities, such as applying for exhibitions, responding to calls for submissions, seeking funding, selling at markets, maintaining your social media presence, and networking. The process of writing these documents will also help you clarify your identity as a creative individual.
People are naturally curious about artists; they want to know about your background! Where are you from? Are you self-taught or academically trained? Have you always been an artist, or did you transition from another career? How do you create your art, and what motivates you? Sharing these insights allows you to engage with your audience and tell your story in a compelling way.
This workshop is designed to help artists craft bios and artist statements that resonate with galleries, funders, and audiences. Whether you are an emerging artist or want to refine your existing materials, this interactive session will help you through the essential elements of effective storytelling. Participants will explore techniques for articulating their artistic vision, influences, and creative processes, ensuring that their personal narrative flows through your writing. Participants will engage in discussions that explore techniques for articulating their bios and artist statements
This workshop is FREE to attend, but you must register. A Zoom link will be provided to you via email upon registration.
Registration closes on Feb 25th at 11 AM CST
See our cancellation policy.
