Albertan sculptor Faye HeavyShield receives Governor General's Award for Visual and Media Arts
HeavyShield, from the Kanai (Blood) Nation, is among eight recipients of Canada's highest distinction in the arts. A four-storey installation for the Glenbow debuts in 2027.
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Faye HeavyShield, a sculptor from the Kanai (Blood) Nation, was among eight recipients of the Governor General's Award for Visual and Media Arts announced Wednesday. The honour recognizes outstanding artistic achievement.
HeavyShield is known for her site-specific installations and sculptures, with solo and group exhibitions throughout Canada and internationally, including at the National Gallery of Canada. In June 2022, she received the Distinguished Artist Award from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and the same year was honoured with the annual Gershon Iskowitz Prize.
The sculptor was commissioned to create a new installation for the Glenbow Museum that will span four storeys in the venue's new vertical gallery. The piece is slated to be revealed in 2027 when the museum reopens in the newly named JR Shaw Centre for Arts and Culture.
Other award winners announced Wednesday include filmmaker Carole Itter in Vancouver; filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk from Igloolik, Nunavut; visual artist Lyne Lapointe based in Mansonville; photography-based artist Marie-Jeanne Musiol in Gatineau; and artist Skawennati in Montréal.
The details
Who is Faye HeavyShield?
Faye HeavyShield is a sculptor from the Kanai (Blood) Nation known for site-specific installations and sculptures with exhibitions throughout Canada and internationally, including at the National Gallery of Canada.
What award did HeavyShield receive?
HeavyShield was among eight recipients of the Governor General's Award for Visual and Media Arts, announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, which recognizes outstanding artistic achievement.
What is HeavyShield creating for the Glenbow?
HeavyShield was commissioned to create a four-storey installation for the Glenbow Museum's new vertical gallery, slated to be revealed in 2027 when the museum reopens as the JR Shaw Centre for Arts and Culture.
