Kristen McKay - Tsimshian Artist

Kristen McKay is a Tsimshian artist who is in the first year of the First Nations Fine Arts program at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. She is an Eagle from the Gispaxlo'ots tribe. Living in Victoria, she was influenced by the culture and teachings of the Coast Salish people. These experiences inspired Kristen to return to Tsimshian territory to learn the history, stories and culture.

 

Kristen began learning basic design elements of traditional art and painting in 2010 with the help of friend and Coast Salish/ Kwakwa’ka’wakw/ Nuu Chah Nulth artist Bradley Dick. Kristen sought to attain additional knowledge and skills in the First Nations Fine Arts program at the Terrace campus.

 

Kristen’s early paintings have found homes with friends and family members across Canada; she also has an installation on display at the office of Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services in Victoria. Kristen looks forward to sharing her art experience with children and youth and encouraging them to express themselves through art.