Melanie Billark (BFA): Keystone Artist-in-Residence
We welcome Ms. Melanie Billark to the Keystone team this year, teaching High School and Middle School Art, as well as running the after school Studio Arts Creative Club. Melanie is a Toronto-based visual artist, art educator and creative community activator. She has an advanced diploma in Crafts and Design from Sheridan College and a BFA in Sculpture and Installation from OCAD University.
Melanie is known for her environmental work, winning The Climate Arts award in 2019 and The OALA Ground Award in 2016. Her work has been shown and featured across the GTA and internationally with Breakfast Television, The David Suzuki Foundation, Canadian Sculpture Centre, Pearson International Airport, Treefort Music Fest, and Luminato Festival.
Melanie has been teaching, educating and creating inclusive curriculums for children, adults, and seniors of all levels and abilities for over 12 years. She believes that visual arts gives students a strong foundation in creative thinking and problem-solving while providing a safe space to experiment, fail, and take risks.
Fun Facts
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Favourite school day snack? Fresh fruit
Favourite childhood show? Art Attack
Country you’d like to visit? Singapore
Hidden talents? Glass blowing, welding, woodworking
