Two Visual Artists Chosen as Artists in Residence at Parks Canada Places in Cape Breton
News release
The 2018 Artist in Residence program expands to Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
September 25, 2018 Ingonish, NS Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada and Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design are pleased to announce that Kira Varvanina and Frances Dorsey have been chosen as the Artists in Residence in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site this fall.
This represents an expansion of the Artist in Residence program to include the national historic site and the community of Louisbourg. The program was initially launched as a pilot project in 2017 in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Frances will be spending six weeks in September and October at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site exploring her art in the historical surroundings of this 18th century fortress. At the same time, Kira will be in Cape Breton Highlands National Park using the natural surroundings and setting as inspiration to create visual art.
The Artist in Residence program provides an opportunity for professional artists to focus for a concentrated period on developing new projects, or to work on existing projects within quiet, natural surroundings. The program includes a public access component that provides an opportunity for the public to see the artist at work. Kira will have an open studio day on Thursday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Keltic Lodge. Frances will have her open studio day on Wednesday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grandchamp Inn at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. The public and local artists are invited to meet Kira and Frances and learn about their art.
Parks Canada offers visitors 46 national parks, one national urban park, four national marine conservations and 171 remarkable and inspiring national historic sites where they can walk in the footsteps of history, interact and savour the essence of Canada.
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Quotes
“Through its broad network of national parks, marine conservation areas and national historic sites, Parks Canada connects Canadians with their heritage. We’re proud to be working with Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience and connect with Parks Canada places through the visual arts. We welcome Kira and Frances, and hope they will find inspiration in the beauty of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the history that surrounds the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.”
Blair Pardy,
Superintendent, Parks Canada, Cape Breton Field Unit
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Parks Canada for year two of the Artist in Residence program in Cape Breton Highlands National Parks and the inaugural residency program at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for artists to live and develop their creative practice in a truly unique setting. The natural backdrop of both the Highlands and the town of Louisbourg is inspiring, providing artists with the freedom to explore their medium in new and exciting ways.”
Lori Burke,
Executive Director, Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
“I am thrilled to have this exceptional opportunity to be Artist in Residence at Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is a true gift to be able to surround myself with the pure nature of Cape Breton. The residency gives me a chance to study and interpret Parks Canada’s spectacular natural features and its topographical and geological richness. I am equally excited about engaging with the local people and learning their culture and traditions.”
Kira Varvanina,
Artist in Residence
“I am developing a body of work about plant life, and look forward to placing myself in a new environment, without my usual tools or distractions, to simply observe, draw and construct forms based on the vegetation around me. Since I have no idea where this will go, it feels like a big adventure. I am also excited to engage with the Louisbourg community through conversation, teaching, skills exchanges or some other way to see what we share and can learn from one another.”
Frances Dorsey
Artist in Residence
Quick facts
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Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design, a non-profit charitable organization, is an integral and leading force in the educational, promotional and economic development of the craft sector on Cape Breton Island with a membership of over 300 individuals and organizations throughout the Island.
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The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for protecting and presenting nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
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This is the second year for the Artist in Residence program in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
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Parks Canada has offered an Artist in Residence program at other locations throughout the country including Banff National Park, Gros Morne National Park and Terra Nova National Park, amongst others.
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Contacts
Darlene Doucet
Parks Canada Agency
902-224-4230
darlene.doucet@pc.gc.ca
Elizabeth Cross
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
902-539-7491 ext. 117
elizabeth@capebretoncraft.com
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca