Region of Waterloo Library Announces 2017 Artist-in-Residence

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo Library (RWL) is pleased to announce that Heather Vollans of Brantford, Ontario is the selected artist for the 2017 artist-in-residence program.

“We’re thrilled to bring Heather’s international experience to the community,” said Kelly Bernstein, Manager Library Services. “This year we’re able to extend programs beyond North Dumfries and anticipate a greater engagement through this art medium.”

Heather Vollans, originally from Australia, immigrated to Canada in 1998 bringing with her vast experience in a wide variety of mediums including acrylic and oil painting, paper crafts, furniture restoration and patchwork quilting and influences from parts of Europe and the Middle East.

Since moving to Canada, Vollans has further developed her skills and art form direction towards mixed mosaic using larger and heavier materials like slumped glass, tire rubber, concrete, bricks and metals while still using traditional materials like ceramics and stained glass. “I’m excited to share my passion for mixed mosaic with the Waterloo Region community,” said Vollans. “A community mosaic will demonstrate how beautifully the people of this diverse area can come together to create a unified piece for all to witness.”

The six-month artist-in-residence program, running January to June 2017, is made possible by the generous Taylor Bequest. The program will be based out of the Ayr branch with off-shoot events taking place at other RWL branches. There will be free, community engagement opportunities like artist drop-in hours, displays, hands-on activities and a community mosaic project which are intended to engage and involve the community in this creative program.

Meet Heather Vollans at the Artist Opening Reception in the Ayr branch on Thursday, January 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register for this and other winter programs as of Tuesday, December 13 at www.rwlibrary.ca.

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For more information please contact:

Kelly Bernstein, Manager, Library Services, Region of Waterloo Library

519-575-4590 x3228, kbernstein@regionofwaterloo.ca

The Region of Waterloo provides more than 60 per cent of municipal services to a growing population of 570,000 people. We are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving and sustainable community through innovative leadership and a range of services such as: public health, social services, planning, heritage, water supply, regional roads, waste management, ambulance service, rural libraries, public transit, community housing, emergency planning, Provincial Offences Courts and airport services.