Sheep River Artist in Residence

The Artist in Residence program has been developed to encourage established or emerging artists. The program is hosted by the Okotoks Arts Council and produced in partnership with the Town of Okotoks.

2025 - Gary Briggs and Wendy Madell

This year’s residency engages with the health of local trout habitats, a topic raised in recent Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society reporting. Gary and Wendy will approach it through a collaborative, community-based lens—connecting with scientists, regulators, industry professionals, and residents to explore diverse perspectives.
Their work will result in a series of interactive automata, mechanical sculptures activated by cranks or levers. These engaging, portable pieces will reflect diverse perspectives and invite viewers to experience the story through movement, colour, and imagination.

Meet this year's artists!

Sheep River Artist in Residence Information

The 3nd annual Sheep River Artist in Residence program (the residency) has been developed to encourage the artistry of established or emerging Alberta artists.
Artists of any field – writers, historians, painters, sculptors, musicians, sound artists, performers, videographers, etc. – are invited to apply for this this unique opportunity in the stunning communi-ty of Okotoks, Alberta. The Selection Committee encourages creative proposals that connect with, contribute to, and/or align with the community of Okotoks.
The residence program will last for four weeks during the 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 2025 at the Okotoks Art Gallery.
- Hold office hours weekly at the Okotoks Art Gallery from September 1 to 13 and a second Town Facility (TBD) from September 14 to 27 to consult with and mentor local artists.
- Be onsite during scheduled hours at the Okotoks Art Gallery and the Okotoks Public Library to interact with the public. The artist is required to be in residence for at least six hours per day five days a week, during the month of September.
- 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 presentation to Town Council.
- Submit a final report, based on a series of provided questions, to the organizers.
The residency is funded by the Okotoks Arts Council and is produced in partnership with the Town of Okotoks.
Deadline for Entry: May 19, 2025
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)
- $500.00 at time of signing a Memorandum of Understanding
- $1500.00 on September 1, 2025
- $3000.00 on September 27, 2025
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 second space hosted by the Town (TBD).
- The artist is required to be in residence for at least six hours per day, five days a week, during the month of September.
Will visitors have access to my workspace?
- Yes. Both workspaces will be 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 1, 2025, Okotoks Art Gallery
2. Reflecting on Residency: Midway Check-in, September 15, 2025, Location TBD
3. Town Council Presentation, September 26, 2025, Council Chambers
In addition, there may be one to three events with students either in the studio or in the class-room. In these sessions, the artist would discuss their process and what they are working on.

Meet past Sheep River Artists in Residence

“I am truly honoured to be the newest Sheep River Artist in Residence. As a local artist, this opportunity is not only a personal achievement, but an invaluable chance for me to engage deeply with our community,” says Kemp. “I look forward to sharing my artistic reflections on the landscape and cultural vibrancy of this region with all of you."
During her residency, Wanru developed a series of artworks that reflect the unique landscapes, while capturing the expressive nature of the area and fostering an appreciation for the natural world and its soothing presence.
Born on China’s north coast, Kemp has a degree in photography, but says her training in painting began early on under her father’s guidance. Kemp has exhibited in galleries in Calgary, United States, Vancouver, and at the Okotoks Art Gallery. She was part of the 2023 RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program and has her works in private collections in numerous countries across the globe, including the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Finland, Germany and others.
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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 painted in her unique artistic style.
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.