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

Jacqui Oakley – Thursday, April 23, 2026: Reserve Your Spot →

Jacqui Oakley 
Thursday, April 23, 2026
1:00–2:00 p.m.

Jacqui Oakley is a Hamilton-based artist raised in Bahrain, England, Zambia and Libya. Having a highly-mobile childhood, she explores the ethereality of memories and how they form identity and belonging, or obscure it. Her detailed fauna and flora ink-work and bold collaged landscapes entwine, creating new surreal forms, connecting past and present.

Her work encompasses art, illustration, and murals, aiming to blur the line between commercial and fine art; to express concepts with vivid colours & intricate lines, reaching a broad audience and maintaining a dialogue with the culture at large. Under the moniker Ver Sands, Jacqui also works on murals and design projects with her partner Jamie Lawson.

She has taught at OCAD and Sheridan and her art has been shown in Toronto, L.A., San Francisco, Philadelphia, Montreal, San Diego and Shanghai. Clients include The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Reebok. She was the recipient of the 2024 Nordic Artist Residency.

Website: jacquioakley.com
Instagram: @jacquioakley

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