Nine new works added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection

This news release has been updated to reflect that a venue has not been confirmed for the planned fall exhibition.

The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce the selection of nine new works of art to be added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.

The new acquisitions are the work of artists Mary Beattie, Mary Blahitka, Minnie Clark, Erin Dixon, Sho Sho Esquiro, Teaka Lewis-Clark, Calvin Morberg, Nathalie Parenteau and Eila Vallevand. The selected works reflect a range of mediums including beadwork, painting, sculpture and textile. Seven of the nine artists are having their work acquired for the collection for the first time.

The pieces were selected through the annual call for submissions process held by the Government of Yukon and the Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection (FOYPAC). Selections were made from 155 submissions by 72 artists.

Images of all nine works can be viewed at yukon.ca/yukon-permanent-art-collection-acquisitions-2024-2025. An official exhibition is planned for the fall.

Our government is proud to welcome these outstanding new works into the permanent collection, recognizing the immense creativity and talent of the artists behind them. These additions reflect the diversity and richness of artistic expression in our territory, ensuring that the Yukon’s cultural heritage continues to grow and inspire future generations. We look forward to this fall’s public exhibition, where Yukoners and visitors alike will have the opportunity to experience these extraordinary works and celebrate the creative excellence that defines our territory.

Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker

The FOYPAC jury faces an enormous challenge every year in selecting from among so many strong applications from so many amazing Yukon artists. This year was no exception. We’re grateful to all the artists who take the time to apply to the collection. It’s a privilege and honour to have the opportunity to see so much wonderful Yukon art – which means that the selection process always involves some heartache. Thank you to the Yukon government, on behalf of Yukoners, for funding the purchase of the nine works being added to the collection this year.

FOYPAC President Catherine Constable

All different forms of art can be very healing for people and I’m beyond grateful that I was given an opportunity to immortalize my youngest brother within the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. I hope more artists hear about the collection and share their work as this was my first year learning about and trying out for it. The diverse range of submissions are what make it so unique and I’m happy to now be a part of it.

Artist Teaka Lewis-Clark

Quick facts

• Each year, the Government of Yukon acquires new art for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection through an annual Call for Submissions. The call is open to artists in any discipline at any stage of their creative paths whose artwork has resonance to the North. The submission process allows for up to three original completed works per artist, suitable for display in a public building.
• Acquisitions are selected by the Friends of Yukon Permanent Art Collection through an arms-length adjudication process. FOYPAC is a non-profit society made up of artists, art professionals and community members dedicated to the continued growth and development of the collection.
• Works from the collection are shown in public areas of government buildings in Whitehorse, Dawson, Faro, Haines Junction and Mayo. They are also periodically displayed in special curated exhibitions produced by Tourism and Culture’s Arts Section or through loans to other institutions.
• There are currently over 550 works of art by nearly 300 artists in the collection.
• The 2025–26 call for submissions will be announced this fall. The deadline for submissions will be January 31, 2026.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@yukon.ca

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