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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

2015

2010

Awards

2023

2023

2022

2022/3

2022

2021

2021

2021

2020

2020

2019

2019

2018

2015

2014

2014

2013

2013

Exhibitions + Residencies

2023

 

2023

 

2023

 

2023

2022

2022

 

2022

2022

 

2022

2022

2022

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2021

2021

2021

2020

2020

2020

2020

2019

2019

2019

Juries + Committees

2021

2019-23

2019

Current Memberships

2022

2022

2021

2020

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

 

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

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

Uncanny Dwellings – AuArts Drawing + Painting Exhibition

Town of Banff Public Art Committee 

Marion Nicoll Gallery, Jury Member

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

Calgary, AB

Halifax, NS

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Banff, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Banff, AB

Millarville, AB

Banff, AB

Calgary, AB

Red Deer, AB

Canmore, AB

Pointe au Baril, ON

Canmore, AB

Banff, AB

 

Calgary, AB

Banff, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Banff, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Pointe au Baril, ON

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB

Algonquin Park, ON

Calgary, AB

Banff, AB

Calgary, AB

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