SHANNON CARLA KING

Whiskey Jack Gallery began as a pop-up Gallery in Calgary, Alberta in 2017, where I began creating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ARTS, and Math) Fine art to represent reclamation, preservation and conservation sites. In 2023, a permanent location was established in Indian Point, Mahone Bay, NS.

The gallery is dedicated to creating a community around itself, and connecting to the local environmental champions across the country.

Whiskey Jack Gallery is based on Canada's national bird: the Grey Jay. The bird was selected as the national bird because it represents Canadians. This gallery also represents Canadians: hardy, friendly and smart.

The bird is one of North America's boldest and most widely distributed jays. This was an important part of ensuring that my art practice was also bold and encompassing projects across Canada. The bird is also known in First Nations lore for leading people home when lost.

 It was pronounced in Cree as “Wisakedjak” which means today it is Canada’s only bird commonly referred to by a traditional Indigenous name. It is known to the Cree peoples as a trickster, teacher and messenger of the forest. They are prime indicators of the health of the boreal and mountain forests ecozones.

My gallery is an example of how a growth mindset and being open to innovation, can turn a traditional art gallery into an interpretive centre for all ages and abilities. I am trying to bring the world of reclamation and conservation together with the world of fine art to show how art can be an education tool to reach a wider audience. Sharing new ideas is a way to bring us back together in a safe space where topics can be discussed with a sense of curiosity.

As an advocate for STEAM collaborations, my long-term goal is to help individuals and organizations visibly share their commitment of responsible development and land use with the public, through the oldest form of communication, the arts. This includes taking an innovative approach to ensure art, conservation and the islands are more accessible and foster an environment of curiosity and learning for this generation and future generations. 

Since the gallery launch, my work has been featured in interviews, podcasts and news articles as found on my personal website at  Media and Events – Shannon Carla King.  I have been able to successfully raise awareness with a reach of over 20,000 attendees at over 12 events since 2023.  I was nominated for an Alberta Order of Excellence award in 2024 for this advocacy work.

Collectors are seeking out my paintings to demonstrate their commitment and support of environmental success stories. Let's reframe the conversation on conservation.

Under Whiskey Jack Gallery, I have implemented a relatively simple innovation between traditional physical paintings and the subject matter of reclamation and conservation by creating an interactive experience using QR codes, YouTube videos,  articles , VR technology and actual tours on the water. This has helped establish me as an advocate for the arts as part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) projects and innovations and ensures my business is successful as a connector in the community. More importantly, is has contributed to the success of other organizations who directly support and work to protect, reclaim, rewild and restore the environment.

Some of the paintings have some comprehensive virtual reality links associated with them. The information that the QR codes are linked to are articles or videos that already exist. When you scan the code with VR goggles, you can look above or below in a 360-degree view to see how a specific process was used to heal the land. I’m essentially using current, published information to create this immersive experience when viewing art. 

By connecting people to information in a more innovative way and by using more advanced technology, we can find better ways to educate the public and future generations whose learning methods include advanced technology. Canadian organizations are doing such great work to advance the reclamation and conservation practices, yet the data and good news stories are not being covered by mainstream media. It is a cause that needed a new approach and an unsuspecting medium to be heard.

Putting these reclamation and conservation sites on display for the general public is an important part of Canada’s journey to raise awareness and money to rewild and protect our pristine environment because, many of the sites are not accessible to the general public. I believe it’s important for people to educate themselves on the story of Canada’s responsible practices to discover organizations that are allocating resources to care for the environment and ensure that those who have challenges with mobility or the means to visit these sites have a way to also experience them.

Purchasing an important art piece is a unique experience for each person. I do offer online options and will ship original art across Canada - no cost to the collector. Many of my collectors take pride in the importance of having meaningful art in their homes or businesses that reflect their own values of supporting land reclamation and conservation. If you see something you like, the photos rarely do the original work of art justice. 

Smaller items are best purchased at the gallery, as shipping costs can often be as much as the item. If you are local in Mahone Bay, reach out as I can arrange a home delivery if I am working out of the gallery that week.