Art Residency 2024
This October, our Visual Arts 10, Visual Arts 20, and Graphic Arts 30 students embarked on an incredible artistic journey with artist and illustrator Azby Whitecalf. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of SK Arts, we hosted a two-month residency that allowed students to explore themes of community, identity, and belonging through the creation of 5 new school murals, a galley wall and arts website. These works were proudly displayed in a culminating Mustang Student Art Show.​
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Throughout the process, students received daily guidance from Azby and support teachers, learning new techniques in medium application, color theory, symbolism, and composition. Workshops with Jody Lerat and Jillian Baker further enriched the experience, focusing on community building, collaborative design, and identity art.
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We were deeply fortunate to have Traditional Knowledge Keeper Tim Eashappie offer his wisdom and support. Tim helped students connect with their cultural identity and sense of place, fostering a deeper understanding of self, community and where we come from.
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This residency represented a true community effort. Azby Whitecalf’s expertise and collaboration built strong connections with students and partner teachers, inspiring future artists through their diverse skill set and vision.
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Special thanks go to:
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Jody Greenman-Barber for her pivotal role in the application process and project concept.
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Administrators Kate Clements and Scott Ferguson for their unwavering support.
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Jody Lerat for leading sessions on collaborative design and personal voice.
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Jillian Baker for organizing spaces, advertising, and connecting the school with elementary arts events.
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Partner teachers Quinn Pierce and Erin Haight, whose work in graphic and visual arts helped support the residency’s success.
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With SK Arts’ funding and Tim Eashappie’s guidance, our students have crafted art that proudly represents their voices and presence. These murals are not only lasting statements of Mustang identity but also symbols of collaboration, pride, and belonging.
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Special Thanks to Our Sponsor
Established in 1948, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, now operating as SK Arts, is the oldest public arts funder in North America, and second oldest in the world after the Arts Council of Great Britain. Governed by The Arts Board Act, 1997, we provide grants, programs, and services to individuals and groups whose activities have an impact on the arts in Saskatchewan and ensure that opportunities exist for Saskatchewan residents to experience all art forms.
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Azby Whitecalf
Azby Whitecalf (They/Them) is a Two-Spirit Plains Cree artist who grew up on the Sweetgrass First Nation reserve, before moving to Calgary to earn their Bachelor of Design in Illustration from the Alberta University of the Arts and now resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Azby’s practices revolve around Indigenous queer experiences and the connection between Indigenous femininity and queer gender identity. They utilize various mediums from acrylic paintings to pastel drawings and yarn tufting, Whitecalf creates dreamy surrealist pieces painted with tantalizing blues, perfect purples, and playful pinks.
Whitecalf’s work explores themes and representations of Indigenous queerhood and the celebration of Indigenous life and culture creating a collection of paintings, drawings, murals and published children’s books. Their work has been nationally exhibited in various galleries and public spaces. With their love to be invested in their community and future generations, Whitecalf has also led numerous acrylic painting workshops and has taken part in cultural events to teach art and creativity to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.
Published Work
Buffalo Wild!
2021
Annick Press
Written by Deidre Havrelock
Illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
We Belong To The Drum
2022
Orca Book Publishers
Written by Sandra LaMaouche
Illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
Sarah Ponakey, Story Catcher and Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow
2024
Annick Press
Written by Sita MacMillan
Colored by Azby Whitecalf
The Rez Doctor
2022
High Water Press
Written by Gitz Crazyboy
Colored by Azby Whitecalf
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Traditional Knowledge Keeper Tim Eashappie
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Tim Eashappie, for his invaluable wisdom and insights. His shared stories and lessons in Indigenous cultural practices play a vital role in fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging within our building. By creating these connections, we ensure that every voice is heard and celebrated across our programs. Thank you, Tim, for guiding us on this important journey.
