Fort St. John artist Donna Bozarth named 2024 Artist in Residence by Arts North East

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John-based printmaker and sculptor Donna Bozarth has been announced as Arts North East’s 2024 Artist in Residence.

Over the next few months, the Fort St. John artist will be mentored by award-winning linocut printmaker Mary Ann Molcan, who will help Bozarth develop work for a solo show at Peace Gallery North in September 2024.

Bozarth has described her journey into art as one of constant exploration and of continuing to learn new techniques. 

“I don’t know how to explain how excited I was,” said Bozarth. “To be rewarded, this is a huge, huge opportunity.”

Her showcase in September will feature prints, which are influenced by charcoal and encaustics, as well as pottery.

“I don’t just do one thing, I like to explore different techniques,” said Bozarth, who described herself as a “multi-media artist.”

“I just love experimenting.  Hopefully, family and friends will see me combining all those mediums together.”

Bozarth’s mentor for the next few months, Molcan, is an artist who creates distinct hand-carved lino block prints. With a minor degree in psychology, Molcan is intrigued by the correlation between humans’ subconscious and how it relates to the physical world.

Some of Molcan’s award-winning work was featured in Los Angeles, where she received the 2022 Print Day in May award from the prestigious Los Angeles Art Society.

“Mary Ann is a wonderful linocut artist.  She’s also a potter as well,” said Bozarth. “It’s a really nice split that she does printmaking and has that pottery background.”

“To learn from someone of that calibre and just have someone help me belong in exploring new techniques will be amazing.”

The fruits of Bozarth’s labour will be on display at the Peace Gallery North this fall.