Sheep River Artist in Residence

• Background

  The Okotoks Arts Council, Okotoks Public Library, and the Town of Okotoks launched the inaugural Sheep River Artist in Residence in the spring of 2023. The program invited artists of any field to apply for the chance to be the artist in residence in Okotoks, Alberta. The program was developed to support and encourage established or emerging artists, while enriching the community with art.

• 2023 Artist | Tanya Zakarow

  
  The talented, Tanya Zakarow was selected as the inaugural Sheep River Artist in Residence! Zakarow is a self-taught artist whose work is inspired by the human face. To create her studies, she primarily uses coloured pencil, watercolour and pastels.

  The Sheep River Artist-in-Residence program was delighted to unveil the three community members who Tanya Zakarow, the first-ever Sheep River Artist-in-Residence, will be painting their portraits in her unique artistic style.

  Read the 2023 Final Report

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  Thirteen individuals were nominated and over 1,500 votes narrowed the selection down. The finalists were selected by a committee after a review that weighed the voting numbers, with other factors, such as volunteer work, community impact and service to the Town. 

  Those individuals are:

  Ron Schreiber - Ron Schreiber was the Chairman of the board of Trustees for Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools and a longtime resident of Okotoks before passing away in the fall of 2021. He was a dedicated musician who was part of the St. James Catholic Church choir and gave his time to help elevate the music at the church through his skilled singing and guitar playing.
  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Lori Chibry - Lori Chibry stands as another remarkable nominee. Through her many years working as a Kindergarten teacher at Big Rock School, she’s had a lasting impact on the Okotoks community. After a fight with cancer, Lori passed away unexpectedly in November 2022. She will always be remembered for loving all children equally and with all her heart.
  
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Marg Cox – Marg Cox is well known in Okotoks and has been playing major roles in the community for over three decades. She was recognized for of her years of dedication to almost every aspect of Okotoks life. From fostering community pride by volunteering at sporting events to going above and beyond as a Town of Okotoks Events Specialist. She was inducted into the Okotoks Hall of Fame in 2017 as a Community Builder in the Community Service area.
  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  In addition, Mayor Tanya Thorn was painted.
  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Artist Applications

  The 2nd annual Sheep River Artist in Residence program (the residency) has been developed to encourage the artistry of established or emerging Alberta artists. The residency is funded by the Okotoks Arts Council and is produced in partnership with the Okotoks Public Library and the Town of Okotoks. 

  Artists of any field – writers, historians, painters, sculptors, sound artists, performers, videographers, etc. – are invited to apply for this this unique opportunity in the stunning community of Okotoks, Alberta. The residence program will last for four weeks during month of September, which falls during Alberta Culture Days and Month of the Artist in Okotoks.

  During this month the selected resident will be required to:

  • Create a proposed body of work.
  • Introduce themselves to the community and present the goals for the residence at an opening reception/welcoming event early September, 2024 at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre.
  • Hold office hours weekly at the Okotoks Public Library to consult with and mentor local artists.
  • Visit at least one class or school event to talk about their art and their work.
  • Present the art they created during the residency at a closing reception/Goodbye event on Sat, September 28, 2024 at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre.
  • Submit a final report, based on a series of provided questions, to the organizers.

  Applications are now closed

• FAQs

  FAQ

  What type of proposal are you looking for?

  • The Selection Committee encourages creative proposals that connect with, contribute to, and/or align with the community of Okotoks. 

  How does the selected Artist receive payment?

  • The Sheep River Artist in Residence position is funded by the Okotoks Arts Council (OAC) and the artist will receive cheques from that organization.

  • $500.00 at time of signing a Memorandum of Understanding

  • $1000.00 on September 4, 2024

  • $2000.00 on September 27, 2023

  How does the artist get to Okotoks and where do they stay?

  • Transportation, food, and accommodation are the responsibility of the Artist. 

  • Okotoks has numerous hotels and other accommodations. Please see https://www.okotokstourism.ca  or Okotoks Air B&B for more information.  

  Where does the Artist in Residence work?

  • For the first two weeks of the residency, the Sheep River Artist in Residence works in the small gallery space at the Okotoks Art Gallery (OAG). For the second half of the residency, the artist works out of a room at the Okotoks Public Library (OPL).

  Will visitors have access to my workspace?

  • Yes. Both workspaces at the OAG and the OPL are accessible to the public. It is common for people to watch the artist work and ask them questions.

  Will the Sheep River Artist in Residence have to do any public speaking?

  • Yes. The artist will be required to give at least three public speeches. These include: 

  1. Inspire and Be Inspired: Welcoming Our Sheep River Artist in Residence, September 4, 2024, Okotoks Public Library

  2. Reflecting on Residency: Midway Check-in, September 14, 2023, Okotoks Public Library

  3. Face to Face Conference, September 27, 2023, Rotary Performing Arts Centre

  In addition, there may be one to three events with students either in the studio or in the classroom. In these sessions, the artist would discuss their process and what they are working on. 

In Partnership With