Last year, the Wrap Around Parent Guidance and Support building underwent extensive renovations and invited three local artists; Morgan, Carla, and Shirley to help transform the space. Through their artwork, they brought warmth, colour, and a
sense of belonging to a place where parents and children feel welcome and supported. In this feature, the artists share their creative journeys and the inspirations behind the pieces that now bring the building to life.

MORGAN ADAMS

Morgan Adams, is a self-taught painter based in Prince George and a mom to two busy toddlers. Her art is
all about colour, joy, and passion, and every piece is created with a whole lot of love.

“I’m always pushing myself to step outside the box, experiment with new techniques, and see where creativity takes me,” shares Morgan. “I’ve spent many years painting as a hobby, completing countless canvas pieces along the way. More recently, my work has grown bigger — literally. Over the past couple of years, I’ve expanded into large-scale projects, including window murals for local businesses and wall art at a Carrier Sekani Family Services building, among other community spaces."

"This WAPGS project is especially meaningful to me as it brings together my Indigenous background. My grandfather was born and raised in Ahtahkakoop reserve in Saskatchewan. He passed away last August and I love learning about my grandfather’s culture and traditions," continues Morgan.  

"I designed this piece with the hope that it would feel freeing, joyful, and welcoming to all clans. I worked to include animals representing the local clans, honouring connection, culture, and belonging. Working with Carrier Sekani Family Services was a wonderful experience, everyone was incredibly friendly, supportive, and welcoming.”

CARLA JOSEPH 

Carla Joseph is a Métis / Cree artist born in Prince George; B.C. Carla received her key to become an artist in residence at the Prince George Community Arts Council in 2016. She went on to win Art Battle in 2016 and 2018.

“I was excited to have the opportunity to work with Carrier Sekani Family Services. Creating a mural for this space felt natural and easy, and from the start I knew I wanted to make something that children and families would truly love. My goal was to create a piece that was eye-catching, bright, and full of colour — something that would feel welcoming the moment you walked in,” shares Carla.

“One of the things I love most about creating art is seeing how people connect with it. Everyone experiences it differently, and I often hear people share what they see in a piece and how it makes them feel. Art can be incredibly powerful, and those reactions motivate me to keep creating and pushing myself as an artist.

Working with everyone at Carrier Sekani Family Services was such a positive experience. The WAPGS team and project lead Leah Joseph were welcoming, supportive, and easy to be around, which made each day feel relaxed and enjoyable. I felt completely in my element throughout the project, and when that happens, my art truly comes to life.”

SHIRLEY BABCOCK 

Shirley Babcock began painting as a hobby in 2005 and opened her art business in February 2012. Shirley became interested in art after researching the history and culture of her ancestors. Shirley’s maternal ancestry comes from Dzawada’enuxw First Nation (Kwakwaka’wakw) and Shuneymuxw First Nation (Coast Salish) and her paternal ancestry comes from Acadia (French region in Eastern Canada).

“I was excited by the opportunity to work on a mural for CSFS, especially since I’ve only completed two murals prior to this project. It also meant a lot to collaborate with Carla Joseph again, as we’ve successfully created pieces together in the past, blending both of our artistic styles. I was excited to build on that creative connection,” shares Shirley.

“The theme of the painting grew from a simple question: where would one want to sit, take in the surroundings, and feel completely at ease. From that reflection, the piece began to take shape, guided by a sense of calm, connection, and the feeling of being present in a peaceful place. My experience working with Carrier Sekani Family Services was very positive. The team was accommodating and welcoming, answered all my questions, and offered flexibility with both the timeline and the painting location, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable. 

I hope that when people experience the ‘Bearly Fishing’ artwork, it feels as though they are looking out a window and stepping into the scene themselves. The painting represents families and children — whether adopted, fostered, siblings, cousins, friends, or neighbours — coming together to share knowledge and teach the younger ones the ways of life and survival. In Bearly Fishing, I imagine a moment of discussion about the next steps, where the elders are teaching the cubs fishing techniques and passing down knowledge through connection, patience, and care.”