MEET DANIELLE

Born and raised in the Alberta prairies, Danielle Folkerts is a contemporary visual artist and art educator. Her formal education includes a Visual Arts Diploma from Red Deer Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts. She has attended artist residencies and workshops across the globe. She is known for her expressive paintings, ocean-inspired textiles, upbeat workshops, and vibrant large-scale murals for Lululemon and more.

You can find her creating art in her Ottawa studio and taking private art commissions. She also coordinates and instructs workshops in a wide range of mediums including acrylic painting, watercolour painting, printmaking, collage, weaving, drawing and more. Danielle has a zest for art and arts education and loves providing others with valuable experiences to explore, connect, and develop their own creativity.  

CURRICULUM VITAE

Danielle Folkerts

EDUCATION

  • 2011-2013 | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, AB

  • 2009-2011 | Visual Arts Diploma, Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB

RESIDENCIES & WORKSHOPS

  • 2022 | Mobile Video Production Course, Modern Muse Media

  • 2020 | Indigenous Canada Certificate, Coursera, University of Alberta

  • 2020 | Art Hives Institute Certificate, Concordia University

  • 2020 | Justice Certificate, Edx, Harvard University

  • 2019 | Creative Works Conference, Work in Culture & Humber College, Toronto, ON

  • 2019 | Citizens at the Centre: A Community Engagement Thought-Leader Series, Tamarack Institute, Ottawa

  • 2018 | The Arts and Equity Project Series, Kingston Art Council, Kingston, ON

  • 2017 | PLATFORM: Audience Development Workshop, Tett Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2016 | Artist-Educator Professional Development Series: The Arts and Social Justice, Tett Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2016 | Self-directed Art Residency, 1-month, Small Pond Arts, Prince Edward County, Ontario

  • 2015 | Self-directed Air Program, Artist Residency, 1-month, Caetani Cultural Centre, Vernon, BC

  • 2013 | Artist in Italy, Painting + Drawing Retreat, Tuscany, Italy

 

CREATIVE AWARDS & GRANTS

  • 2016 | Lacombe Arts Endowment Grant, City of Lacombe

  • 2011 | Affairs of the Arts Travel Scholarship, Affairs of the Arts, Red Deer College

  • 2010 | Ian and Hope Cook Sr. Art Study Travel Scholarship, Red Deer College

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Aug 2021-2023 | Social Media Specialist, Marketing Manager, Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton, AB

  • 2021 | Marketing, Content Creation, Northstone Real Estate Group, Remax, Kingston, ON

  • 2011-2021 | Visual Artist, Art Educator, Digital Marketing, The Travelling Artisan

  • 2017- Jan 21 | Marketing + Programming Coordinator, Tett Centre for Creativity + Learning, Kingston, ON

  • 2018-2019 | Travel Trade Committee, Tourism Kingston, Kingston ON

  • 2017-2020 | Arts Educator, Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, ON

  • 2018-2019 | Arts Facilitator, Crisis Line (volunteer), Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, Kingston,

  • 2016-2-17 | Curator, Art Instructor, Program Coordinator, The Kingston Collective, Kingston, ON

  • 2011-2016 | Art Instructor, Curriculum Development, Lacombe Christian School, Lacombe, AB

  • 2016 | Art Instructor, Lacombe Art Guild, Lacombe, AB

  • 2015-2016 | Art Instructor, To the Stars Occupation Therapy + Wellness Centre, Lacombe, AB

  • 2007-2016 | Marketing, Sales, Interior Design, Timeworn Charm, Lacombe, AB

  • 2013-2014 | Sales, Merchandising, Instructor, Kensington Art Supply + Instruction, Calgary, AB

  • 2011 | Visual Arts Department Hiring Committee, Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB

  • 2011 | Assistant Printmaking Technician, Printmaking Studio, Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB

 

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

  • 2020 | Art for the Ocean, Unit 115, Kingston Art Council, Kingston, ON

  • 2016 | Here & There: An Exhibition, Greater Goods Gallery, Calgary, AB

  • 2016 | The Travelling Artisan Maps, Blindman Brewery, Lacombe, AB

  • 2015 | Wake the Dreams into Realities, To the Stars OT, Lacombe, AB

  • 2012 | The Longest Walk Home: An Installation, Alberta College of Art + Design, Calgary, AB

  • 2012 | Muse, the Coven Gallery, Alberta College of Art + Design, Calgary, AB

 

SELECTED PUBLIC MURALS & INSTALLATIONS

  • 2019 | Waterway Installation, Invista Centre, City of Kingston, Kingston, ON

  • 2019 | It’s a Jungle Mural, Oxford Learning, Kingston, ON

  • 2017 | Breathe it All In Mural, Lululemon, Kingston, ON

  • 2018 | All Kinds of Love Installation, Lululemon, Kingston, ON

  • 2018 | Crash Studio Window Mural, Agnes Etherington Arts Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2018 | Lemons, Private, Kingston, ON

  • 2018 | Chase a Dream - Neuro Race Weekend, Norman Rogers Airport, Kingston, ON

 

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

  • 2019 | Small Works Kingston, Tett Gallery, Kingston, ON

  • 2018/2019 | Tett Tuesday Exhibition, Tett Gallery, Kingston, ON (x3)

  • 2017 | Modern Yule, Modern Fuel, Tett Centre for Creativity + Learning, Kingston, ON

  • 2017 | Kingston Women's Art Festival, City Park, Kingston, ON

  • 2017 | Cheerfully Made: Spring Show, Almonte, ON

  • 2016 | Fat Goose Holiday Craft Fair, Grant Hall, Queens University, Kingston, ON

  • 2015/2016 | Encore Annual Art Sale + Celebration of Creative Expression, Memorial Centre Lacombe, AB

  • 2014 | Calgary Art Walk, Stephen Avenue, Calgary, AB

  • 2013 | Artists in Italy, Julian Hyzler Studio, Tuscany, Italy

  • 2013 | Grad Show 2013, Illingworth Kerr Gallery, Calgary, AB

  • 2013 | An Opening of Art, Calgary Creative Arts + Culinary Foundation, F2 Furnishings, Calgary, AB

  • 2013 | Marginalia: Negotiating the Margin of Understanding, Luke Lindoe Library, Calgary, AB

  • 2012 | Bodyworks – a Figurative Paintings Show, Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, AB

  • 2012 | Archeology of the Object, Print Media, Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, AB

  • 2012 | Silkscreen: Mapping, Print Media, 3rd Floor, Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, AB

  • 2012 | You Paint What, Main Mall Gallery, Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, AB

  • 2011 | Coven Gallery Opening Show, the Coven Gallery, Calgary, AB

  • 2011/2012 | Artist Proof Gallery’s Annual Exhibition and Exchange, Alberta Printmakers Gallery, Calgary

  • 2011 | Painting Year 2, J.B Quinn Centre for Corporate Training, Red Deer College, AB

  • 2011 | Variations Student Show, Juried, Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, Red Deer, AB

  • 2010 | Portrait of an Artist: Painting, Juried, Red Deer College, AB

  • 2010 | Student Drawing Show, Juried, Red Deer College Library, AB

  • 2010 | Student Works, Affairs of the Arts Fundraiser Event, Juried, Red Deer, AB

 

COLLECTIONS

  • 2019 | Waterway Installation, Invista Centre, City of Kingston, Kingston, ON

  • 2016 | Little Free Library, public commission, City of Lacombe, Terrace Ridge School, Lacombe, AB

  • 2013 | Osum Oil Sands, private, Trigger Communications & Design Ltd, Calgary, AB

  • 2013 | Luke Lindoe Library Collection, public, Alberta University of the Arts, AB

  • 2011 | RDC Permanent Collection, public, Red Deer College, AB

 

AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • 2021 | Modern Fuel Artist Run Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2019-2020 | The Canadian Network for Arts & Learning, CNAL

  • 2018-2020 | Travel Trade Committee, Visit Kingston, Kingston ON

  • 2018 | Kingston Handloom Weavers + Spinners, Kingston, ON

  • 2017 | Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2016-2018 | Kingston Arts Council, Kingston, ON

  • 2015-2016 | Alberta Craft Council, Edmonton, AB

  • 2013 | Calgary Creative Arts and Culinary Foundation, Calgary, AB

  • 2010-2011 | Visual Arts Society, Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB

 

Community VOLUNTEER

  • 2020-2021 | Kingston Military Family Resource Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2017-2021 | Tett Tuesday Open Studio Monthly Program, Tett Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2016-2021 | Family Support Network, Canadian Armed Forces, Kingston, ON

  • 2017-2019 | Kingston Sexual Assault Centre, Kingston, ON

  • 2010-2020 | The Travelling Artisan, Alberta and Ontario

 

PUBLICATIONS & PRESS        

 

TESTIMONIALS

“5-stars! Easy to find, lots of parking, clean bright environment, energetic, fun and engaging instructor!" Sandi Zellick, 2019

"I'm so thankful you put this list together for us. It is really nice to have guidance on buying good supplies that won't break the bank to get started. I really enjoyed the workshop last night. It was nice to be introduced to watercolours but more than that it was nice to be in a room of lovely people and... painting is so relaxing! It totally took my mind of work. Thanks for offering your continued help. I'll be sure to share a photo of a future painting!" - Sandra, April 2017

“One of my favourite boss babes is @thetravellingartisan. Not only is her artwork amazing, but her business acumen is unbelievable and her heart is so kind.” – Brittany Brander, Bourbon & Honey, 2016

“Danielle Folkerts is a mixed media artist with a true passion for her craft and travel. Her artwork is crafted beautifully and thoughtfully, and I’m happy to have her on the blog this week! Read on to find all about her inspirations, goals, and advice for folks just starting out.” – Makers to Know, WildHumm.com, 2015

“I’d like to introduce the art, lifestyle and radiant personality of Danielle Folkerts Studio! This person…is an art juggernaut. Currently on a residency in BC she is always on move in the art world. Whether it’s her brilliant watercolours of gems, mountains, or nature, or her extremely popular Little Hoots, or teaching workshops around Central Alberta or hiking or canoeing or travelling or making videos or tabling at art fairs or making the best care packages for her clients, family and friends….I may have already broke my “too wordy goal.”

Suffice to say, there are so many phenomenal things about the Danielle Folkerts Studio. It’s clear as glass she’s doing what she loves and it shines through in all her ventures…But you know what I think is the best thing about Danielle? She’s honest. Her blogs show you exactly what’s going on in her career and how much hard work she puts into this. If you ever feel lost in your practice, read her blog. It’ll remind you of why you’re doing what you love and to always push through.” – Amber Solberg, 2015

“…I have had the pleasure of having a professional working relationship with Miss. Folkerts for the past six years during our studies at Red Deer College and the Alberta College of Art & Design.  Specifically, Danielle and I worked together curating the student exhibition, Marginalia, (2013) and exhibited together in the Illingswork Kerr Gallery for our graduating farewell exhibition, (2013). Danielle is an extremely talented emerging artist, who is respectful, hardworking, professional, and a joy to work with.  Her energy and passion are effusive and anyone who comes in contact with her can only be affected by her zest for the arts. Danielle is a young artist but one who’s body of work shows a depth of maturity and conceptual rich context…” – Brenda Danbrook, 2015

“I absolutely love this painting! It’s wild, colorful, & hints of adventure. The artist is a beautiful soul as well. I highly recommend purchasing from Danielle, simply because so much love & insight is captured within her work. Her work will brighten up your soul & home! ” – Michelle Russo, Etsy, March 2015