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Dare to Ride by Amery Sandford

Community Artist Exhibition

JUNE 25 - AUGUST 20

JUN. 25 - AUG. 20, 2025

FREE

JUNE 25 - AUGUST 20

In 2024, Amery completed residencies at the Banff Centre (BaiR) and Elevation Gallery in Canmore, marking a full-circle moment in her artistic journey. At the Banff Centre, Amery was drawn to the performative nature of tourist towns and the tension between escapism and belonging. These observations inspired a modular screenprint installation reflecting the excesses of mountain life. She also revisited her father’s 1984 book Sunshine: Its Human and Natural Heritage, reinterpreting his early fascination with Sunshine Village, through her own lens.

In July, Amery developed a drawing-a-day series grounded in Bow Valley memories and present-day observations—from her mom riding a ski lift with her dog in the 1980s to the crowds now filling Sunshine Meadows. These works blend memory and place, personal and collective history. Amery also experimented with handmade paper using recycled prints, adding new layers of meaning to the final pieces.

"This past year has been monumental. Returning home to create in the landscapes that shaped me is something I once only imagined as a kid growing up in the Rockies," says Amery.

Meet The Artist

Featured image for Amery Sandford

Amery Sandford

"After leaving Canmore at 17, I earned a BFA from NSCAD University in Halifax, followed by a residency at St. Michael's Printshop in Newfoundland. There, I became active in the local art scene, served on the board at Eastern Edge Gallery, and began designing gig posters while playing in punk bands.

In 2016, I interned at Hatch Show Print in Nashville, learning hands-on design through traditional letterpress techniques. I later completed an MFA in Print Media at Concordia University in Montreal, where I focused on large-scale screenprint installations and soft sculptures made from recycled materials. Now based in Montreal, my practice lives at the intersection of visual art, illustration, and music. I’ve worked with Canadian illustrator Raymond Biesinger, created animated music videos and posters, and run a small publishing studio, Amery Press.

My work is shaped by the places I’ve lived—Alberta, Newfoundland, and Quebec—and reflects a deep interest in local culture, tourist spaces, and identity. Each region’s unique character inspires my focus on cultural celebration and community connection."

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