For the fifth year in a row, the City of Fredericton’s popular Summer Artist in Residence Program is returning to Killarney Lake Park and the Fredericton Botanic Garden.
From June 26 to September 1, ten artists will each spend two weeks ‘in residence’ throughout the parks creating and developing special projects and art pieces inspired by their surroundings.
Visitors to the parks are encouraged to talk with the artists and learn more about their work and creative process. Those interested can follow the artist’s social media for updates on their creative journey and to learn about specific interactive opportunities such as artist talks, demos, workshops, and Q&As.
Killarney Lake Park’s freshwater lake and network of trails through an Acadian Forest is the muse for the following artists:
- Cyndi Nash, an indigenous artist, and basket maker who will explore the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children,
- Oil painter, Marie Osmun, who is known for bold colours and purposeful brush strokes,
- Nature photographer, Robyn Short who will be searching out woodland scenes for special trees and wildflowers,
- Brenda Parks, who will use her pottery wheel to create a variety of stoneware, and
- Kennedy Mackeen, who will create a series of sculpted acrylic paintings.
Located at the western side of Odell Park, the Fredericton Botanic Garden is home to several perennial beds, a collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, woodland trails, a rose garden, and more. Bursting with life, colour, streams and springs, and many flourishing habitats, artists will find no shortage of inspiration. The artists working here will include:
- Wood carver, Gary Crosby who will create a large sculpture of running salmon from NB cedar,
- Ceramic artist, Shinaid Jane Grace, who will use red clay to sculpt various receptacles for memento-inspired items, as well as natural objects found during her time in the park,
- Steph Kincade, a sculptural embroidery and fibre artist influenced by plants and animals,
- Alex Rioux, a theatre artist and improvisor, who focuses on physical theatre will develop a show based on interpretations and experiences during their residency, and
- Nat Cann, painter and printmaker, will focus on raising climate awareness and the vulnerability of the local flora and will be documenting floral matter using various printmaking methods.
Artists will be on-site in various locations throughout the parks, Monday to Friday. Hours will vary.
Killarney Lake Park:
- Cyndi Nash – June 26-July 7
- Marie Osmun – July 10-July 21
- Robyn Shortt – July 24-August 4
- Brenda Parks – August 8-August 18
- Kennedy MacKeen – August 21-September 1
Fredericton Botanic Garden:
- Gary Crosby – June 26-July 7
- Shinaid Jane Grace – July 10-July 21
- Steph Kincade – July 24-August 4
- Alex Rioux – August 7-August 18
- Nat Cann – August 21-September 1
The full summer schedule, including artist profiles and their social media links, can be found on the City of Fredericton’s website at Summer Artist in Residence Program 2023 | City of Fredericton