Region Category: All of Manitoba

I am  a multidisciplinary visual artist, educator and visual arts advocate. I live at Schist Lake in Northern Manitoba. I work out of a studio there and at the Northern Visual Arts Centre (NorVA) in Flin Flon, MB.

Artist Statement Karen Clark

I am thrilled by the idea that people making and appreciating art works share so much with one another. This sharing is important to inspire conversations that are necessary in Canada today.

I paint the landscape here in the Boreal forest from the vantage point of my kayak or canoe. The terrain here is edgy and sharp. This is my cup of tea.

Most recently I find  myself focused on the local mine processing site nestled next to us here in Flin Flon. It is a remarkable juxtaposition, over 600 hectares devoted to extraction, crushing , smelting, prepping ore and managing waste products from those mining processes.The working title, The Long GoodBye, refers to the boom and bust cycle common to mine based towns throughout the world.

Acknowledgement

My generation has seen the deconstruction of Canada’s colonial past. I follow the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the investigation of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls with a growing sense of horror and shame. Having my roots as a settler in this land, I have a shared sense of confusion and perplexity as to how we - settlers and Indigenous people - carry on together. As a result I find myself questioning my place in this landscape which is so fundamental to my sense of self.

mystery byrd is a queer artist and film worker based on Treaty One territory with a lifelong background in DIY moviemaking and over 16 years of industry experience. They have functioned in such roles as writer, director, editor, actor, camera op, production assistant, location scout and assistant locations manager.

Experimental production styles inspired by grassroots organizing, philosophy through montage and video as archive are core concepts in mystery’s work and outlook, as well as themes of history, economics, colonialism, community, relationships, gender and sexuality. They continue to shoot, cut and develop works.

Olivia Cassie (she/her) is a local multidisciplinary artist whose work touches on self exploration, acceptance and making peace with the past. Growing up undiagnosed autistic, biracial and queer, Olivia often felt like an outcast and internalized these feelings into her adult life. In 2023, she connected with an artistic practice that allowed her to safely explore these feelings and the other traumas from her youth. Through portraiture, her work depicts raw emotions of loss, sorrow and bittersweet hope which helps her feel kinship with others. Olivia hopes that, through delicate displays of feeling, she can gain a better understanding of her own inner world and find her place in the world moving around her.

Erica Wilson is an indigenous artist/community connector located in Winnipeg on Treaty one territory. She’s had an interesting journey with several companies that align with her morals within the arts, community and culture sector, starting off in Theatre Acting. Erica has had many opportunities to work with folks across Canada, which has helped build a community of amazing people. Being in many circles able to share her perspective in culture, arts and education within her city but also across Canada.
Erica is currently the Arts Community Director - Medium-sized Organizations and Board member of the Winnipeg Arts Council, Former - Creation Advisory Circle Member with the Indigenous Youth Roots, past highlights have been with the National Screen Institute as Co-Manager for their TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous creators for 3 years and Indigenous Leadership Development Institute's Stage Manager for their World Indigenous Business Forum in Colombia.  She’s always looking forward to continual years of learning, empowerment and creativity!