Public Art Mentorship Program
Abby Nowakowski, Unlikely Pals, 2023, painted plywood. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Jasper Lyon Wicke + Abby Nowakowski
Main Space
May–August 2026
This summer, UG is launching a pilot project: a Public Art Mentorship Program bringing together two local artists for a unique creative + professional development opportunity. Jasper Lyon Wicke will be our youth artist in residence, with Abby Nowakowski acting as Jasper’s mentor.
Artist in Residence
Jasper’s art focuses on representing plants, animals, and humans in harmony. She loves attempting to make her dreams come to life through sewing, drawing, printing, painting, woodworking, and any other medium she can get her hands on. Jasper enjoys playing with many layers of meaning, using visual metaphors and simple motifs alike to get an idea, concept, or message across. She strongly believes that environmental justice and community are intrinsically linked to our collective liberation and tries to represent this in her work. Whether at a protest, wandering in the forest, or relaxing in a cozy place, Jasper is always thinking creatively and critically in an attempt to understand and learn about the wonderful, complicated world we live in.
Mentor
Abby Nowakowski is a queer interdisciplinary artist and arts educator based in the wetlands of Central Frontenac between the Mississippi and Tay River watersheds. In their practice, they are constantly questioning how their artwork can be used as an activist tool and contribute to the collective creative building of sustainable futures. Abby explores themes of transformative justice, belonging, and hopefulness. Learning lessons from the natural world, Abby often leans towards local flora and wildlife as powerful examples of community building and resistance.