The Northern Lights will shine bright at this year's Calgary Stampede as two local artists from Fort McMurray showcase the effervescent life and community that lies beyond the oilsands through their craft. Amy Keller-Rempp, a self-taught nature and wildlife artist, and Alexandra Kavanagh are featured at the Stampede Art Show, bringing a piece of Northern Alberta to the global stage.
Spiritual Encounters and Artistic Journeys
Amy Keller-Rempp, born to a Mohawk mother and German father in Belleville, Ontario, began her artistic journey 37 years ago as a ten-year-old painting wildlife. Growing up with a disabled father, she learned survival crafts, and art became a therapeutic escape. “I’m the middle of three girls, we didn’t have any brothers, and we lived in rural Ontario, so we had to do a lot of work,” Keller-Rempp said. “I bring his legacy with me because now I’m able to do this artwork, use tools, and not hurt myself.”
This year marks her third consecutive appearance at the Stampede art show. She recalls her first year facing challenges: “We didn’t have the best lighting and were literally using flashlights at some point,” she said, describing the hurdles as a first-time participant.
The SkyDance Series and Fort McMurray Inspiration
Keller-Rempp attributes much of her success to living in the oilsands region. “The opportunities I have received in Alberta as a whole, but Fort McMurray in particular, is incomparable. There’s a lot of entrepreneurial mindsets,” she said. “Albertans make respectable decisions quickly and act on it.” Her entire SkyDance series, a unique northern lights art collection, was born after her move to Fort McMurray in 2008. It was her first time seeing the Northern Lights, and she felt a “direction from creator” to bring the image to life.
Her career took off when she was commissioned to paint a mural at the Fort McMurray Airport, a piece that took nearly 40 days to complete. The work is housed in the Observation deck of the airport. Since then, Keller-Rempp has painted public art benches, metal art pieces and prints at the Bear and Buffalo restaurant, and larger pieces commissioned by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Indigenous Roots and Interactive Art
For Keller-Rempp, art transcends a career, becoming an interactive spiritual encounter. In her SkyDance series, she paints the experience of a vision manifesting itself. “I immediately could see images; a bison running down a wave of light, eagle wings coming up, a wolf pack moving through the lights, and my brain wouldn’t shut off. I’d try to go to sleep and it was just one slideshow one after another,” Keller-Rempp said.
An original metal art piece by Keller-Rempp depicts a tiger looking fiercely into the distance, on display at the Stampede Art Show. The piece reflects her deep connection to nature and wildlife, rooted in her Indigenous heritage.
Community and Collaboration
Alexandra Kavanagh, the second Fort McMurray artist, also contributes to the show. Both artists emphasize the supportive community in Fort McMurray. “It was never the plan,” Kavanagh said, but this is what happens when two Northern Albertan women let their brushes lead. Their work highlights the vibrant life and community spirit beyond the oilsands, challenging stereotypes about the region.
The Calgary Stampede Art Show runs throughout the event, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique perspectives of these Northern Alberta artists. Their presence underscores the cultural richness of Fort McMurray and the broader region.
