Visual Arts Nova Scotia is delighted to officially announce the participants of the 10th anniversary VANS Mentorship Program. After receiving a record number of applications, the program has been expanded to support four dedicated emerging Nova Scotian artists. Claudia Legg, Alice MacLean, Sophie Paskins and Anna Taylor have been individually paired with established artists and mentors: James MacSwain, Ian McKinnon, Mathew Reichertz and Becka Barker.

Emerging artists in this year’s program use sculpture, installation, painting and textiles to consider gender politics, spirituality, minimalism, and sex work. The 10-month mentorship program supports the artistic and professional ambitions of emerging artists in Nova Scotia by providing access to the skills and experience of established artist mentors. Learn more about the participants on our website: https://www.visualarts.ns.ca/2015-16-mentorship-program/

Nova Scotian artists are selected by a peer assessment committee based on individual proposals and program criteria; emerging artists are evaluated on their dedication to their art practice, their independent studio practice outside of formal training environments, and their ability and willingness to engage in critical discussion about their work. Based upon the needs of selected apprentices, the committee solicits interest from qualified mentors who possess the skills to propel the emerging artist’s practice.

By investing intensely in a few emerging artists each year for the last 9 years, the VANS Mentorship Program contributes to the overall strength, sustainability and vibrancy of the visual arts community in Nova Scotia.

Visual Arts Nova Scotia gratefully acknowledges core funding for the Mentorship Program and exhibition from The Robert Pope Foundation and The Craig Foundation. The program is also supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Image details left to right: Sophie Paskins, “Pileated Woodpecker on Orange Box” Pen, pencil, acrylic, household paint on plywood, 24” x 24”, 2013; Anna Taylor, “Monkey in the Middle of the Bed”, Matchbox, cotton, wool, fur, polymer clay, 2” x 2.5” x 5”, 2012; Claudia Legg, “It Sits” (detail), acrylic, paint, wood, lag screws, 30.5″ x 22.5″ x 2.5″, 2015; Alice MacLean, “Crouching Figure 2”, oil on canvas, 3′ x 2′, 2011.

For additional information about the VANS Mentorship Program, please visit https://www.visualarts.ns.ca/programs/mentorship-program or contact:

Carri MacKay
Program Coordinator
Visual Arts Nova Scotia
(902) 423-4694
communicate@visualarts.ns.ca