Pam Staples – Artist, Advocate, and Community Leader

Pam Staples is a talented artist, passionate advocate for the arts, and dedicated community leader. In Gananoque and the 1000 Islands region, she championed placemaking projects such as creative directional signs and pianos in parks, while fostering local entrepreneurship and organizing art shows.

 

One of her most memorable achievements was the creation of Art Bomb! in 2019, a transformative public art event that turned Gananoque into an open-air gallery for a day. Pam’s determination, creativity, and organizational expertise ensured its success, inspiring enthusiasm among artists and participants alike.

 

Now based in Saskatoon, Pam continues to enrich the arts community as a member of the Public Art Committee and as a driving force behind initiatives such as the Discover Saskatoon Art Walk and Urban Canvas. Her placemaking work, including collaborations with the Downtown Business Improvement Association, has introduced engaging features like outdoor ping pong tables that bring people together and activate public spaces.

Through her visionary leadership and passion for creative placemaking, Pam has made an enduring impact on every community she serves.

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Collaborative Projects: Facilitating collaborative art projects encourages teamwork and fosters a sense of belonging among diverse community members. This inclusivity helps break down social barriers and promotes understanding.

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• Urban Games - Discover Saskatoon - 2024

• City of Saskatoon Public Art Committee member / chair 2020 - 2023 

• Urban Canvas Street Party  /  Discover Saskatoon 2023

• Insight Program - Sherbrooke Community Centre Saskatoon  2023

• Artist in Residence - Central Haven Senior Home 2022

• Art Bomb - Culture Days 

• Creator and organizer River Festival 

• Town of Gananoque  - Placemaking projects : Economic Development / Tourism Initiatives : banners , wayfinding , animating public Spaces

with temporary installations : Play Me - Piano , Hop Scotch , Geo catching trail walks , 

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Community Exhibitions: Curating exhibitions featuring local artists and their work to celebrate the community's cultural identity.

• On the Waters Edge - Juried Art Show 

• Holiday Gift Show  - Juried Art and Makers Show 

• Kingston Prize Canada's Portrait Prize assistant curator 2005 - 2007  curator 2009 

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Educational Initiatives: School Partnerships: Collaborated with schools for art education programs to enhance students' creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

• Park Placemaking - Linklater School 

• Library Mural Project - Linklater School 

• Art Club / Batteries Not Included - Community Placemaking 

• Mural Tile Project - Saskatoon - Hugh Cairns School

• Art walk Project - Saskatoon