Artist Projects
The Artists’ Projects are intensive studio experiences (often between 8 and 14 days) where participating artists are given time and space to work on individual projects, with access to established artists acting as mentors through the process.
Up Coming Projects
Do you have an Artists’ project you’d like to see happen? Message Elyssia Sasaki at elyssia@imarts.com or reach out to artistproject@imarts.com with any questions about programsA Visual Arts Intensive Studio Experience
History
The first TOAP was held in 2000 with distinguished Canadian artist Norman Yates (1923-2014), and has grown to become an impactful visual artist development program for those who have taken part in it. From July 1st - 9th, participating artists work in the IMA studios under the mentorship of senior artists. It is an intensive studio experience, valuable for those looking for less structured time for set activities and more space to develop their own work.
Past mentors of TOAP include Norman Yates, Tony Urquhart, Sherrard Grauer, Robert Murray, Michael Morris, Chris Cran, Michelle Forsyth, Peter von Tiesenhausen, David T. Alexander, John Hall, Harold Klunder, John Freeman, Lyndal Osborne, Libby Hague, Sarah Anne Johnson, Wayne White, Mimi Pond, Mark Neufeld, Leigh Bridges, Joseph M. Sanchez, Ciara Phillips, Jeffrey Spalding, Anong Migwans Beam, Shary Boyle, Lisa Milroy, Jen Mann, Diana Thorneycroft, Rita McKeough, Ed Pien and Johannes Zits.
“There’re a few things make this residency stand out….
…This project is well organized with opening introduction presentation, artist talks and workshops, internal critique and final open studio. I only wish I had more time in Wells. Maybe it’s the excuse to go back there again.”
- Wen Li, 2023 TOAP Participant
To Apply
General applications for the Toni Onley Artists’ Project (July 5 - 13) are now open! Head here to apply.
The Cost
The program cost for 2025 is $750.00 + GST. This fee does not include accommodations, transportation or evening meals. Scholarships and Bursaries to assist with the cost of tuition are available.
Who makes this program Possible?
Island Mountain Arts is pleased to recognize the support from the BC Arts Council, along with the Toni Onley Estate, Joseph Plaskett, the Toni Bernie Cattani Fund for the Arts, the Sylvia Graham Estate, and the Sonia Cornwall Estate.
A number of scholarships and bursaries are available, including the Sonia Cornwall Scholarship for a Cariboo artist, the Joseph Plaskett Scholarship for a Canadian artist and the Sylvia Graham Memorial Scholarship. Click here for details.
Thanks for your interest in the TOAP mentorship program! We hope to be able to share a bit of our Summer with you!
A TOAP participant works on a large artwork on the floor of the IMA Studios.
A former TOAP cohort, posing for a sunny, summer photo outside the Wells Barkerville School 
Photo by Ciara Phillips