This summer, the Kluane National Park and Reserve Artist Residency program is welcoming Jaymie Campbell and Leslie Leong to the Kluane Lake Research Station
Kluane National Park and Reserve Artist Residency 2025
This summer, the Kluane National Park and Reserve Artist Residency program is welcoming Jaymie Campbell and Leslie Leong to the Kluane Lake Research Station.
The residencies invite Canadian artists to explore the interplay between science, conservation and art, and connect with local researchers and scientists. In turn, the artists share their skills and perspectives with visitors and residents through public workshops, talks, or ‘artist at work’ drop-in sessions.
Jaymie Campbell
Jaymie Campbell is the first artist in residence for 2025. Campbell is an Anishnaabe creator and the designer behind White Otter Design Co. Her work mixes traditional artistry techniques with contemporary and personal style, using materials like horsehair, porcupine quills, beads and natural dyes.
“I always find that natural places create spaces in which we can be calm, focused and inspired.” Campbell says of her interest in the residency. “Being able to be surrounded by mountains and water and secluded from the busy work of our everyday lives allows the mind to quieten enough to hear the work that needs to come through.”
Campbell is hosting two free public workshops in June; registration is not required.
Plant Sketching
When: 1 – 3 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2025
Where: Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake) Day-Use Area, Kluane National Park and Reserve
Plant sketching is the beginning stage for creating beadwork patterns. Spend some time reflecting and sketching with guided prompts and learn more about the connections we can make by being with nature. All materials provided (while supplies last) — bring creative energy, clothes for the weather, and comfortable footwear.
When: 7 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025
Where: Kluane Lake Research Station
Jaymie Campbell will talk about her journey as an artist, her relationship to the materials, and the inspiration that comes from ancestral teachings and the land. See examples of her work firsthand and interact with some of the materials she uses in her art making.
Leslie Leong
Leslie Leong is bringing her focus on sustainability and recycling to the second residency of the summer, from August 4 to August 18. The Whitehorse-based visual artist explores contemporary issues using non-traditional techniques in mixed media with salvaged materials, metalwork, sculpture, and printmaking.
As part of her ongoing exploration of ice in its many forms, Leong plans to “make ice” from recycled plastics and experiment with other art forms to reflect upon her experience of the Lowell Glacier in Kluane National Park and Reserve.
“Making art is essential for me as it helps me cope with the issues our society faces. Being in the natural environment calms me and allows creativity to flow,” says Leong.
“I hope that my work triggers concern about our disconnection from the natural world and our natural selves. And inspires us to rekindle our connection to the natural environment.”
Details for Leong’s public programming will be announced closer to August, but she is excited to engage with people in the region. Of particular interest is collectively transforming old clothing and cloth items into something new using printmaking techniques.
“I am keen to continue my work in helping society think more about our impact on the environment through the choices we make,” says Leong.
The two annual residencies are hosted at the Arctic Institute of North America’s Kluane Lake Research Station and supported by the Yukon Arts Centre, Parks Canada and the University of Calgary.
More about Kluane National Park and Reserve Artist Residency:
Artists and upcoming public programming is available at: pn-np/yt/kluane/activ/artiste-artist
Residency program for prospective artists: kluane-national-park-artist-residency
More arts and culture programming in Kluane National Park and Reserve:
“Kluane Creates” – connect with your own inner artist and experiment with different mediums, every Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm at Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake). Free, for all ages and skill levels.Interpretive programming: check the park’s website for the tour and program schedule: pn-np/yt/kluane/visit/sched-even. Programs are offered from June 5 to August 24, 2025.
