The Town of Okotoks has announced this year's Sheep River Artists in Residence.
Gary Briggs and Wendy Madell are the 2025 Sheep River Artists in Residence, and they are accomplished Alberta artists who will bring their creativity and environmental focus to the community.
"Gary and Wendy bring a rare blend of imagination and insight," explained the Culture, Heritage and Events Team Leader, Allan Boss, in a media release. "Their work invites us to see conservation not just as science, but as a story - shared, felt, and moved by community."
As part of this year's residency, they will engage with the health of local trout habitats, which is a topic raised in recent reports from, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.
Gary and Wendy will approach this through a community-based, collaborative lens, as they connect with scientists, regulators, industry professionals, and residents to explore diverse perspectives on the issue.
This will result in a series of interactive automata, mechanical sculptures that are activated by cranks and levers.
The automata will be a robust and interactive piece that is designed for public engagement to help ensure the message about conservation reaches those living in Okotoks and nearby communities.
Through these engaging, portable pieces that reflect the diverse perspectives, they invite viewers to experience the story through movement, colour, and imagination.
"We’re truly looking forward to this residency," Gary and Wendy stated in the media release. "It’s a chance to listen, learn, and create something meaningful with and for the community. We’re fully committed and excited to see where it leads."
There will be an opportunity to meet the artists on September 6, at the Okotoks Art Gallery.
This is the third artist in residence in Okotoks.
To learn more, click here