"I feel a passion and deep respect for nature and wildlife that comes in large part from my aboriginal heritage and farming background. My artwork allows me to share that love and respect with others."

Joanne Marchildon: Multiple Award Winning Artist & Instructor

Joanne was born and raised on a farm north of Spiritwood, Saskatchewan and her passion for nature and wildlife comes naturally.

Joanne is a Metis Artist and has been a resident of Saskatoon for the past 19 years. She enjoys family life with her husband Todd and 3 children. In 1996, Joanne received her Bachelor of Education degree, graduating with honors and distinction for high academic achievement. She then began a career in preschool and elementary education which provided various teaching positions over a period of ten years. Teaching has been a source of tremendous joy for Joanne, but her passion for art called her to move into a new area of study.

Joanne’s passion for art has been there her whole life, spending countless hours drawing as a child, but becoming more serious in studying art as an adult. Joanne’s studies have included many years of art classes and intensive workshops by several professional artists including world renowned wildlife artist, Robert Bateman. In 2002, Joanne returned to the University of Saskatchewan to begin her studies in Fine Art. Joanne continues to pursue the study of art in various forms: from her own studies of art education in the form of classes, workshops and book study of the masters, to teaching art to her own students and of course, putting it all together in her ongoing painting projects.

In 2006, Joanne took the first step in fulfilling her dream of a career in the art world by starting up her own business. Since then, her art business has grown and thrived, for which she owes a debt of gratitude to her family, friends and customers for their continued encouragement and support. As a thank you to the many who have contributed to her successful launch of the business, Joanne Marchildon Artworks, Joanne gives back through various fundraisers and charities. Her contributions include support of the “F” Division Slain Police Officer Fund, Aboriginal Children fundraising projects, World Vision, Interval House, Learning Disabilities of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Joanne is proud of her many achievements in her career over the years. She was showcased as a feature artist in a 2005 issue of Homemakers magazine and is a juried member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council. Joanne is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards from various art competitions including several “Best of Show” ribbons and invitations to participate as a judge in such competitions. In 2008, Joanne was honored to be asked to paint a memorial painting for Constables Cameron & Bourdages, who lost their lives in the line of duty in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. Joanne set out to create a painting that honors their heroic actions and acknowledges the work of all RCMP officers in protecting our communities. The sale of prints and the original continue to raise funds for the “F” Division Slain Police Officer Fund specifically set up to support the children of the heroic officers. It has been a privilege for Joanne to take part in this special memorial project.

To share the joy of painting with others has always been Joanne’s dream. Her love of nature and art is expressed mainly through chalk pastel on suede mat board, but she also enjoys painting with acrylic and drawing with graphite and charcoal. Although her main area of interest is with wildlife and nature, Joanne finds inspiration from all the beauty around her and in doing so paints portraits, still life and abstract.