Bio
Elise Lavallee Findlay is a Banff-based visual artist known for her versatile, process-driven practice. Her work delves into the exploration of community, place, identity, and the intricacies of human interaction with the world. Graduating with distinction in 2023, Elise was honored with the prestigious Board of Governor's Award at the Alberta University of the Arts. Elise is also the Chair of the Public Art Committee for the Town of Banff. Through recently graduated, she has had several shows in notable galleries such as the Whyte Museum in Banff, and the Leighton Arts Center in Calgary with forthcoming solo exhibitions in the RBC Rise program at artsPlace in Canmore and a solo show with the Alberta Craft Council in Edmonton. Looking ahead, she aspires to further her artistic journey by pursuing a master's degree in Fine Art, while also establishing her studio in her hometown of Banff.
Artist
Statement
My art delves into the interplay of human connections, place, and shared experiences within communities. Using diverse mediums, I prioritize authenticity over idealization, offering a deeply personal perspective that speaks to broader societal issues. Rooted in my connection to place, my practice explores mixed media compositions reflecting on my history and identity, shedding light on social challenges and my journey of self-discovery.
Driven by process, I combine various media, found objects, and repurposed materials to create thought-provoking pieces that engage viewers in exploring their relationships with people, objects, and the environment. Collaborating with social agencies, I use art as a catalyst for social change and community cohesion, empowering others and fostering dialogue on pressing social issues.
Occupying the intersection of craft and fine art as a feminist voice, I meticulously select materials aligned with each piece's message. Through deconstruction and reconstruction, I focus on transformation, inviting contemplation and challenging notions of beauty and functionality.
My work ultimately aims to resonate personally and societally, initiating conversations and encouraging viewers to reimagine shared realities. Exploring the attachment to landscapes and the connection to place, my art reflects both specific locations and imagined routes of travel, seeking to portray a genuine relationship rather than an idealized space. Grounded in place, I find both belonging and flexibility within the cycles of change.
Curriculum
Vitae
Education
2023
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2015
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2010
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Awards
2023
2023
2022
2022/3
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2022
2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
2019
2019
2018
2015
2014
2014
2013
2013
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Exhibitions + Residencies
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
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2022
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2022
2022
2022
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2022
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2022
2022
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2022
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2022
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2022
2021
2021
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2021
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2021
2020
2020
2020
2020
2019
2019
2019
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Juries + Committees
2021
2019-23
2019
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Current Memberships
2022
2022
2021
2020
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2020
Alberta University of the Arts | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graduated with Distinction, School of Visual Arts, Drawing Major, 3D Object Design Minor
Journeyman Cabinetmaker Certificate, Red Seal, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology and Comparative Religion, Dalhousie University
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AUArts Board of Governors' Award
New Zones Gallery of Contemporary Art Graduating Scholarship
Barbara and John Poole Family Scholarship
Town of Banff Building Bridges Community Grant for Local Love's Community Crafting Workshops
AuArts Scholarship for a Self-Directed Research Project
Barbara and John Poole Family Scholarship
Gregory Arnold Memorial Scholarship
Jason Lang Scholarship
AuArts Scholarship for a Research Project
Louise McKinney Post Secondary Scholarship
AUArts Board of Governors’ First Year Scholarship
Eaton Entrance Scholarship, AuArts
AWMAC Southern Alberta Cabinetmaking Scholarship
AWMAC Southern Alberta Cabinetmaking Scholarship
AWMAC Southern Alberta Apprenticeship Contest, Third Place
AWMAC Southern Alberta Cabinetmaking Scholarship
Apprenticeship of Industry and Training Board Scholarships in the Cabinetmaker trade
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Crescent Heights Mini Galleries | Clematis Group Exhibition Windows Into Clematis: Uniting Through Art
Marion Nicoll Gallery | LRT Space – Anchored In Place
RBC Concourse Gallery Exhibition | Selected Digital Reproductions
Whyte Museum | Permanent Collection – Under the Mountain’s Shadow
Leighton Arts Center | Clematis Group Exhibition The Place I Am
YWCA Banff | Design of postcard for Hope for the Holidays fundraising campaign
Marion Nicoll Gallery | Clematis Group Exhibition –The Place I Am
City of Red Deer | Intermediate School Public Art | Finalist for design and installation of Connection
Ojibway Club Art Show | Breakfast with the Artists, Featured Artist
YWCA Banff | Women of Distinction Awards Event
Live painting and creation of Inspiration
YWCA Banff | Express Consent workshop facilitator &
community art piece, Working Together
YWCA Banff | Power of Being a Teen Girl – Painting
workshop and creation of community piece Working Together
Chinook Blast | Our View, temporary window painting
Whyte Museum | Solo Exhibition – Under the
Mountain’s Shadow
Carya/Village Commons | Artist in Residence, organized
through Calgary Allied Arts Foundation.
Sparrow Artspace | Artist in residence – Anastomosis Group Residency
AUArts | President’s Show
cSpace | Group Exhibition – In Response To [ ]
Marion Nicol Gallery | LRT Space
Solo Exhibition- Under the Mountain’s Shadow
Marion Nicoll Gallery | Hear/d Residency & Under Maintenance Exhibition / Publication
CMagazine |EAWP Residency & “Unbounded” Publication
AuArts | President’s Permanent Collection
Ojibway Club Art Show | Participation & Live Demo
AUArts | President’s Show
Calgary Airport | YYC Airport Showcase
AuArts | President’s Show
Algonquin Arts Center | The Sounds of Algonquin immersive Cover Art Display for Album Release
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Uncanny Dwellings – AuArts Drawing + Painting Exhibition
Town of Banff Public Art Committee
Marion Nicoll Gallery, Jury Member
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CARFAC Alberta
Alberta Craft Council
Elephant Artist Relief Society
Clematis Collective – An artist collective that grew from the AUArts Hear/d Residency whit a focus on mental health.
Founder of Local Loce – A Banff crafting collective with a focus on creating community through art and craft.
Calgary, AB
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Calgary, AB
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Halifax, NS
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Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Banff, AB
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Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
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Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
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Calgary, AB
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Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Banff, AB
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Millarville, AB
Banff, AB
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Calgary, AB
Red Deer, AB
Canmore, AB
Pointe au Baril, ON
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Canmore, AB
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Banff, AB
Calgary, AB
Banff, AB
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Calgary, AB
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Calgary, AB
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Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Banff, AB
Calgary, AB
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Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Pointe au Baril, ON
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Algonquin Park, ON
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Calgary, AB
Banff, AB
Calgary, AB