The Peck Visual Art Program is proud to partner with the YWCA Edmonton on this exciting Women in Art series.
Exhibitions will be held at the YWCA Edmonton Community space (10402 124 Street) and will be available to the public. This new series takes curatorial inspiration from the YWCA pillars of equity, opportunity, and choice.
CURRENT EXHIBITION
She Was Called
by Samantha Williams-Chapelsky
June 18th to September 25th, 2026
This body of work engages the tradition of still life painting to examine the language that has been applied to me—both self-imposed and externally ascribed—and the ways in which these labels have shaped, constrained, and informed my experience as an artist and as a woman. Words often expressed casually, yet embedded with critical judgment, are inscribed onto familiar objects, transforming them into records of perception and expectation. By situating this language within the still life genre, the work seeks to make visible what is often internalized, while questioning the authority through which naming, categorization, and value are constructed. As with all these terms, they are often used dismissively—lightly said but deeply experienced. We all grapple with these journeys and experience iterations of these labels. I believe there is a shared dialogue in discussing the labels one feels in life and how they define or don’t define aspects of our day to day.
ARTIST BIO
Samantha Williams-Chapelsky is an accomplished visual artist who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Alberta. She is widely recognized for her abstracted landscape paintings that explore the interplay of textured acrylics and oils. Samantha’s work is exhibited in both public and commercial galleries throughout Canada earning acclaim for her unique artistic approach.
In addition to her studio practice, Samantha is a dedicated educator and mentor. She leads workshops in plein air painting, studio techniques, and business practices for artists, helping students hone their creative and professional skills. Samantha also hosts an annual European retreat focused on acrylic techniques and plein air painting, offering artists an immersive experience in the scenic outdoors.
