MOOSE JAW — A new initiative at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) is offering artists more than just studio space — it's building momentum for a growing artistic community in the heart of the city.
Launched late this spring, MJMAG’s new Artist Studio Program and Indigenous Artist and Curator-in-Residence initiative have transformed the back wing of the Norma Lang Gallery into a creative hub where artists work, create, and engage directly with the public.
“This is a brand new program we decided to try for this summer and fall,” said Jennifer McRorie, museum director and curator. “We’ve created three studio spaces, and one of those is for Sadie-Rose Vaxvick, who is our Indigenous artist and curator-in-residence. Her position runs for nine months.”
Vaxvick, of Nêhiyaw and Saulteaux heritage and registered with Ochapowace First Nation, is no stranger to the gallery. Her public art installation outside the MJMAG — inspired by the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings — has become a local landmark. Now working both in studio and in a curatorial capacity, she is collaborating with elders and traditional knowledge keepers to review the gallery’s Indigenous collection, identify items for repatriation, and support Indigenous-led programming in schools and throughout the community.
“She’s starting to make some changes in the museum display about Indigenous history and Indigenous (cultural) objects,” said McRorie. “And she’ll be posting some public hours so people can drop in and see what she’s working on.”
The two remaining studios were made available through the gallery’s Artist Studio Program — a new offering developed when a scheduling change opened up summer exhibition space. McRorie said she drew inspiration from similar initiatives at AKA Artist-Run in Saskatoon, where artist residencies were launched during the pandemic and have since continued.
“We just decided to create these studio spaces,” she said. “It was a great way to support local artists and (their) practice … to witness an artist at work gives you a behind-the-scenes insight into how different artists work on ideas and create.”
One of those artists is Matthew Froese, who moved into his studio at the end of May. With a background in music, woodworking, and fibre arts, Froese blends utility and form through wheel-thrown stoneware ceramics.
“I was actively looking for a space to do pottery that didn’t necessitate buying all of the equipment, which is expensive — especially as a relatively new artist who isn’t really making any money at it yet,” he said. “This came by at a really opportune time … (and allows me) to grow and practice more as a potter.”
Without access to this studio space and equipment, Froese estimated that he’d be facing startup costs of up to $10,000 to establish his own pottery studio — including the purchase of a kiln, pottery wheel, raw materials, and other essential tools. New to the craft, he has not yet had the opportunity to sell many of his creations and the program has made his artistic practice accessible.
Froese will remain in residence until mid-November and is hosting open studio hours throughout the summer, allowing the public to visit, ask questions, and see the ceramic process up close. You can learn more about Froese’s work on Instagram at @riviere_wares.
The museum and art gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent. For more information about MJMAG’s Artist Studio Program and upcoming studio hours, visit MJMAG.ca/For-Artists.
