Karl Mattson, 2019 Artist in Residence

Rolla artist Karl Mattson has been named the Peace Liard Regional Arts Council’s Artist in Residence for 2019.

This program, administered by the PLRAC with support from the BC Arts Council, provides a northeast BC artist with concentrated time to work on their art in a studio setting along with mentorship from a professional artist/curator culminating in a solo exhibition.

The program, which the PLRAC hopes will become an annual opportunity, was developed to assist the region’s artists in gaining time for their practise as well as furthering their exposure and professional status.

This year’s submissions to the Artist in Residence program were adjudicated by Paul Crawford, curator of the Penticton Art Gallery, and nationally renowned artist Peter von Tiesenhausen from Demmit, AB.

“It’s always exciting to be afforded the opportunity to discover the work of a new group of artists in a way that allows you to not only explore their practice, but also gain insight into how they want to push their practice forward in the future,” says adjudicator Paul Crawford, who will also serve as the 2019 mentor for the program. Crawford applauded the new program, saying, “It’s hard enough being an artist, and harder still being able to dedicate yourself full time to your practice, and I can’t express enough how important opportunities such as these are.” 

The adjudication of submissions took place over the the course of two weeks where adjudicators looked at, read and revisited each of the artist’s applications with careful consideration to the criteria and intent of the program. Many of the submissions were deemed worthy and the final decision was not an easy one. But in revisiting each of the shortlisted candidates, it was felt that Karl Mattson best fit the spirit of the program.

“I am excited to work with Karl and help him further explore his practice and I hope find greater opportunities to exhibit his work further afield,” says Crawford.

The adjudicators acknowledged all of the artists who “took the time to submit their portfolios and in doing so bared their souls and shared their work and vision with us. Through their tenacity, hard work and commitment to their vision they have proven you don’t need to live in an urban centre to be a successful artist, making relevant and powerful art.”

The program will also provide an opportunity for community members to visit the Artist in Residence and to take part in a one-day professional development event open to all interested community members in the region (further details to be announced).

The PLRAC sincerely thanks Paul Crawford and Peter von Tiesenhausen for the care and attention they gave to the jurying process.