Meet The Artists

Based in Calgary, Afshan Khan is an abstract impressionist and mixed-media artist and Certified Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, working primarily with acrylics, palette knives, colour and expressive texture inspired by Canadian landscapes and the changing seasons.

Afshan discovered art during a challenging chapter in her life, which led her to complete her Therapeutic Arts Practitioner certification through the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. She now facilitates accessible community art and creative-wellness experiences with a warm, process-focused approach that welcomes creativity without judgment.

Based in Edmonton, Alaina Homeward is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist whose mixed-media work explores intuition, intricate linework, patterns, textures, and abstract forms. She developed Noetic Lines as a mindful, open-ended practice grounded in the belief that art is about the process, not the outcome, and that creativity should be accessible to everyone. Her workshops offer welcoming, judgment-free spaces where people of all experience levels can explore, learn, and trust their intuition.

Based in Calgary, Alexander DiMattia is a talented emerging photographer specializing in landscape, urban, portrait, and commercial photography.

Currently refining his expertise in Lightroom, he is dedicated to helping online entrepreneurs, influencers, and businesses craft compelling brand narratives through striking visuals.

Passionate about his craft, Alexander is eager to share his knowledge and experiences, guiding you to capture stunning photos for personal enjoyment or professional success.

Based in Calgary, Alberta Porcelain Artists Calgary (APAC) is a local guild dedicated to preserving and sharing the craft of porcelain painting. Founded nearly five decades ago, APAC includes artists ranging from lifelong painters to enthusiastic newcomers.

Through workshops and community outreach, the group promotes this delicate, expressive art form and invites everyone to discover its beauty.

Based in Calgary, Becca is a collage artist who has run her own creative practice for nearly four years. Her work is rooted in nostalgia, vintage material, and utopian, dreamlike compositions, and she's passionate about helping others explore their creativity, confidence, and self-expression through the art of collage.

Based in Calgary, Bahar Rostami is a visual arts graduate with a passion for painting, illustration, printmaking, and photography. She brings hands-on experience leading engaging art workshops, along with a deep skill set in hand-painted artwork across a variety of creative surfaces. Bahar's work spans decorative painting, illustration, color composition, and visual storytelling, and she loves bringing that same spirit of exploration into every workshop she hosts.

Based in Calgary, Cheyenne Jackson is the artist and founder of Clay Nest Art Studio, where creativity, connection, and beautiful handmade experiences come together. Specializing in pottery, hand-building, and nature-inspired mixed media, she offers thoughtfully guided workshops designed to help participants unwind, explore new skills, and leave with meaningful pieces they’re proud of. Her cozy, welcoming teaching style makes every class feel inspiring and approachable — giving people the confidence to explore, create, and enjoy the beauty of working with their hands.

Based in Calgary, Danae Gibbons is a passionate macramé artist, mom, and creative entrepreneur. With years of experience designing and crafting intricate macramé pieces, her work can be found online @knotted_by_design and at local markets throughout the summer and holiday season.

Drawing inspiration from nature and her love for family, Danae infuses each creation with warmth, artistry, and a personal touch. To her, macramé is more than an art form—it’s a calming and fulfilling creative practice she’s passionate about sharing with others.

Based in Calgary, Devanshi Patel is an artist, creator, and the founder of ArrtNation, a creative venture born from her love of making things by hand and expressing emotions through art. “Art has never been just about creating something beautiful. It is about the joy of getting lost in the process, letting curiosity take the lead, and giving yourself permission to create without worrying about getting everything right.” She hosts workshops where you can leave your worries at the door, embrace the beautiful messiness of creating, and leave feeling lighter, proud of what you made, and reminded of how good it feels to create simply for the joy of it.

Based in Calgary, Ekta Patel is a self-taught baker who creates elegant and artistic edible creations. Inspired by the rich patisserie traditions of Belgium and France, where she grew up. Ekta brings a touch of European finesse to every bake. Operating a home-based bakery in Calgary, she specializes in making special moments unforgettable.

She also offers workshops where you can learn the art of decorating cookies, cupcakes, and cakes—where imagination meets frosting!

Based in Calgary, Fatima is a self-taught painter, an ESL teacher by the day, a small business owner by the night and an artist at all times. She loves colors and paint in anything and everything, from earrings to furniture. She loves the versatility of acrylic paints and enjoy making statement pieces, be it on canvas or crafts.

From painting wooden slices to decorating terracotta pots and crafting personalized ornaments, Fatima leads fun, one-of-a-kind workshops that participants consistently enjoy and remember.

Based in Calgary, Kara Bussey is a stained glass artist, known for reimagining glass as both sculpture and statement.

Blending traditional copper foil techniques with unconventional materials, her work pushes beyond flat panels into layered, dimensional forms-ranging from intricate botanical sculptures to wearable glass pieces seen on runways and in contemporary exhibitions.

Based in Calgary, Kui is a professional artist and an experienced art teacher, whose works have been widely exhibited on a national level, as well as in his native country China. Relationships between people, and between humans and nature have always fascinated him.

He is passionate about portraying these themes using lines and colors in various media. Through water-based painting materials, he masters time, moisture, and shades of colors in his expressive pieces. In addition, he also employs traditional Chinese calligraphy techniques through oil.

Through her art classes, Kui invites people of all ages to create and appreciate visual art in a supportive, safe, and enjoyable environment.

Based in Calgary, Lili Yas Tayefi is an Iranian-Canadian designer and interdisciplinary artist. Her practice bridges traditional ceramics with contemporary design, exploring the tactile language of clay through sculptural and architectural forms.

As an educator, she encourages intuitive, hands-on learning—inviting participants to connect deeply with material, process, and form while embracing the unexpected transformations of clay.

Based in Edmonton, Manjot Kaur brings 14+ years of experience as an Art & Craft teacher. She paints on glass bottles, stones, wood, leaves, walls, and windows, and is best known for her detailed bottle portraits. Her canvas work draws on India’s folk and traditional art forms, such as Warli, Madhubani, Gond, Pichwai, and Kerala murals. In the classroom, she gives clear instructions, keeps the mood relaxed and welcoming, and helps every guest leave with a happy heart and a creation to cherish.

Based in Edmonton, Mia and Sam are the owners and creators of Sirena Jewelry. They design and handcraft jewelry using a variety of beads, pearls, charms, and gold and silver components. Through Sirena, they've expanded into interactive workshops where people can explore their creativity and design pieces that feel personal to them. They love creating welcoming, social spaces where you can try something new, connect with others, and leave with something you made yourself.

Based in Calgary, Palak Dhorajiya is a self-taught artist who reignited her passion for creativity during the pandemic. Originally from India, she balanced art with her studies. After moving to Calgary for a career in Interior Design, she temporarily set aside her artistic pursuits. However, discovering alcohol inks during the pandemic reignited her love for creating.

Inspired by her mother and art tutor, she began crafting original pieces and teaching others. Palak offers custom artwork and art classes, providing a creative space to transform ideas into beautiful art.

Based in Calgary, Patrick is a multidisciplinary artist exploring the intersections of animation, painting, coding, filmmaking, and storytelling. At the heart of his creative approach are two key elements: play and stories. His process often begins with lighthearted ideas that evolve into deeply meaningful reflections, using art as a tool to engage, connect, and inspire.

As he continues to develop his practice, Patrick seeks to blend interactivity with traditional and digital mediums, crafting self-reflective experiences that make art more accessible to everyone.

Based in Calgary, Prajkta Gaikwad is a professional artist and the founder of Kalagrath Art Studio, where colour, culture, and creativity come together. Specializing in murals, textured art, Lippan art, face painting, and interactive workshops, she brings a warm, people-focused energy to every session — and a genuine joy for helping people of all ages discover what their hands can make. Her teaching style is encouraging and accessible, designed to make everyone feel supported from the first pinch of clay to the final mirror.

Based in Calgary, Silvia Pinto is a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner with a passion for creativity and personal expression. With over a decade of experience facilitating arts programs, she teaches paper quilling, cardmaking, art journaling, mixed media, and other creative techniques, helping participants of all ages build confidence, reduce stress, and discover the joy of making art.

Based in Calgary, Todd Lachance is a representational artist specializing in landscape, figure, and portraiture. Inspired by the masters of light and color, he paints primarily en plein air to capture the raw essence of his subjects.

Founder of the non-profit Plein Air MD Ltd., he supports first responders through art and nature therapy and is represented by Mountain Galleries across Canada.

Based in Calgary, Yan’s artistic journey began in her childhood in China. Born in the Year of the Rabbit, she embodies its gentle, sensitive, and creative spirit. Naturally curious, Yan found joy in exploring the world through painting. Today, she draws inspiration from her cultural heritage and upbringing to create art that celebrates creativity, mindfulness, and the stories behind every brushstroke.

Based in Calgary, Yazhini Venkatraman is a self-taught artist whose love of art began in childhood. Working across watercolour, acrylics, and charcoal, she brings a lifelong curiosity for colour and technique into every session — along with a genuine love of sharing art with others.