Artist Talks
Spring 2025

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.

Alex Jacobs-Blum
Wed, April 23, 2025
1–2pm

Alex Jacobs-Blum is a Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ (Cayuga) and German visual artist and curator living in Hamilton, ON. Her research focuses on Indigenous futures and accessing embodied Ancestral Hodinöhsö:ni’ knowledge. The core of her practice and methodology is a strong foundation in community building, fostering relationships, empowering youth, and Indigenizing institutional spaces. Her creative process is rooted in cyclical storytelling and challenging hierarchical power structures. Jacobs-Blum seeks to facilitate transformative change infused with love and care.

Alex Jacobs-Blum received a Bachelor of Photography at Sheridan College in 2015. Her artistic work has been exhibited at the University of Ottawa, Woodland Cultural Centre, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Alex is a member of the Bawaadan Collective.

This is an excellent opportunity to hear more about Alex’s background, her journey as an artist and her creative focus moving forward.

Melanie Cheung
Thurs, May 22, 2025
7–8pm

Melanie Cheung is an abstract artist based in Hamilton, Ontario. Her work delves into the elusive aspects of human experience, casting light on emotions that often defy explanation. Utilizing fluid layers of paint and mixed media, Melanie’s creative process merges thoughtful planning with intuitive expression, resulting in works that are both unassuming and impactful. Working with unique colour pairings, Melanie seeks to capture the quiet narratives of our inner lives.

Originating from Toronto, Melanie holds a Bachelor of Design in fashion design from Toronto Metropolitan University. Having spent twelve formative years working in the fashion industry in Montreal, she relocated to Hamilton in 2020, where she currently resides.

Join us to learn more about Melanie’s artwork and how her unique experiences have shaped her creative experiences.