Artist Talks

Learning from other artists is a key element in any artist’s training and enlightening for those interested in learning more about the creative process. DVSA’s Artist Talk series is available to students and the general public, providing an excellent opportunity to hear from the artists themselves as they share information on their careers, process, life experiences and the work they produce. Free. Advance registration required.

Upcoming Talks

R. Ward Shipman – February 20, 2026: Reserve Your Spot →
Sandra Brewster – Rescheduled for May 2026

R. Ward Shipman 
Friday, February 20, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m.

Join us for an inspiring and visually rich presentation that delves into the compelling work of R. Ward Shipman – The Hidden Photographer. A multi-disciplinary artist and dedicated educator, Ward has spent over three decades shaping the visual arts landscape in Hamilton, teaching at local high schools, Mohawk College and Dundas Valley School of Art. His expertise spans not only drawing and painting, but both traditional and digital photography, culminating in a deeply personal and evocative body of work.

This talk promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of vision, technique and artistic intent as Ward unveils a selection of his photographs – many being shown publicly for the very first time. As a conceptual photographer, he goes beyond the technical “how” to explore the deeper “why” behind each image, offering insights and techniques that fellow photographers can incorporate into their own creative process.

Ward’s artistic journey has been chronicled in Spectrum Publication, the Prix de Paris photo competition and Photo-Ed Magazine, among others. His work has earned accolades in solo and group exhibitions and has received multiple international awards.

Sandra Brewster
Rescheduled for May 2026

Registration link coming soon.

Shortlisted for the 2025 Sobey Art Award, this talk with Sandra Brewster is not one to miss. Based in Toronto, Sandra Brewster works in drawing, video, photo-based works and installation. Her themes focus on identity and representation, and movement in the depiction of gesture resulting in a re-presentation of the portrait. She uses specific landscapes as metaphors and manipulates old photographs to centre the people within them.

Born to Guyanese parentage, a series of her work refers to the migration of Caribbean people from the region, suggesting a formation of identity that encompasses multiple geographies and temporalities – a sense of identity that exists within the diaspora.