A new artist has taken up residence at Studio 2880.
Erin Stagg is the Community Arts Council of Prince George and District’s new Artist in Residence. The announcement was made Thursday at Studio 2880 and Stagg is looking forward to giving as much as she will receive from being the Artist in Residence.
“Now that I’ve been an artist in town for five years and become known, it gives the arts council the ability to utilize some of the skills that I have,” she said. “I’ve taught painting parties for four years. I’m a really well-versed teacher … I get the advantage of having a louder microphone and of having a space where I can teach classes. It’s a win/win for both of us.”
Stagg is a self-taught acrylic painter, best known for her lively paintings of the British Columbian landscape. She seeks to draw her viewers into the natural world and inspire them with its calming energy. Stagg has studied under Gaye Adams and Lalita Hamill. Her art has been featured in the ‘Lifting the Sky’ exhibition in Seattle, the ‘Other Worlds’ exhibition in Pope Mountain Arts, the Pretendium exhibition by Ridge Side Art, and in annual exhibitions at Books and Company.
As a Métis artist, she utilizes nature imagery in her art to convey her deep connection to the land.
“I grew up with the outdoors being my safe space,” she said. “Now, I want to give other people a glimpse into the everyday beauty that you can find in our exceptional country.”
Although she has been painting most of her life, her journey as a professional artist started just five years ago.
“I’d been laid off from a job and needed something to do to keep myself occupied and thought why not just try painting,” she said. “It turned out to be something that I not only enjoyed a lot, but worked out in my favour.”
In 2019 she was awarded the Top Indigenous Business by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the Northern Indigenous Arts Council.
Today, her goal remains simple, showcase the fantastic northern landscape all its splendour. Erin lives in Prince George, BC.
Her art is found in private collections internationally including Ireland, Italy, UK and USA.
“She’s an incredibly talented individual, she ambitious, she’s working hard to become a commercially viable artist and carve out unique niche in the marketplace,” said Sean Farrell, executive director of the Community Arts Council.
Now in its seventh year, the Artist in Residence program has established a reputation of helping to launch and develop the careers of talented visual artists in a diverse range of media. Last year, the Community Arts Council supported visual artist and instructor Donna Morrison.
The Artist in Residence program is intended to accommodate artists for a period of one year for the development and production of ongoing or new bodies of work.
Components of the program include:
- No-cost studio space at Studio 2880
- Administrative and mentorship support
- Website, newspaper, radio, TV and social media coverage throughout the term
- Opportunities to display and sell artwork at CAC events
- Minimum one, 30-day, Feature Gallery Exhibit
The Artist in Residence also facilitates outreach activities such as talks, workshops and exhibitions, intended to promote interaction and professional development, and provide access to a diverse range arts practices within the community. During the term of the residency, the artist also delivers art classes for children, adults and seniors.
The artists in residence to date have included Corey Hardeman, Cliff Mann, Crystal Tarr, Carla Joseph, Michael Kast, Lynette LaFontaine and Donna Morrison.
