2008 Artists in Residence

at Champlain Heights Community Centre

The Project Outline

Artist Corinna Hanson will be working with the Champlain Heights community members to create a unique outdoor bench covered in glass tile mosaics. Other ideas include designing shapes based on the theme of the natural environment that will then be covered in mosaic tile and installed in the outdoor patio area.

Join Champlain Heights Artist in Residence and explore the exciting medium of mosaic while helping create unique elements for the community.

Corinna Hanson - Artist Bio

Corinna Hanson was born and raised in Nakusp, BC, a small town in the Kootenays and after graduating high school moved to Vancouver.

Her formal artistic biography began at Kwantlen University College, where she majored in fashion design. It was during her 15-year career as a fashion designer that she fell in love with mosaics. During travels in Europe, Corinna was inspired by the art and architecture of Antonio Gaudi. Corinna began experimenting with this ancient medium and is primarily self-taught. She has also completed courses in painting and sculpture at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design.

Corinna's work consists of community and public art, painting, mosaic, and sculpture. Corinna continues to design under her own label, "moonbeam clothing" and teaches at The Art Institute of Vancouver. Her paintings are collected internationally and her public art commissions can be found around Vancouver in various locations.
Corinna's website is www.moonbeamstudio.ca

Michele Mateus - Artist Bio

Michele recently finished the Design Essentials program which is part of the Digital Arts department at BCIT. This program partners BCIT with the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design. These courses offered her a foundation in creative thinking along with practical design techniques and brand development skills.

Before taking plunge into the world of art and design Michele spent most of her time working in community development. She holds a degree from the University of Victoria in Sociology, where she developed the passion for working with people, empowering them to become active citizens. After graduating she moved to the UK where she worked in various non-profit organizations in volunteer management.

Michele's journey to art school was lead by her interest in mobilizing and educating people through communication and media arts. Inspired by campaigns put out by some of her favorite non-profits Michele wanted to learn how to use the power of words and images to excite, provoke and encourage people to participate in developing healthy, social, creative environments.

Michele has also done some pro-bono work for Amnesty International's Business and Human Rights group. She is looking forward to further developing her skills by working with community engaged arts groups projects.

Contact Info

For more information about this project and workshop dates please contact the Champlain Heights Community Centre Programmer: Brenda Tang, brenda.tang@vancouver.ca 604-718-6582

For more information about the Artist in Residence program please contact Danita Noyes, Community Arts Programmer, Arts and Culture office, danita.noyes@vancouver.ca 604-257-8496