As part of the Prairie Webinar Series, CARFAC Alberta, CARFAC Saskatchewan and CARFAC Manitoba are pleased to present:
MARKETS & FESTIVALS
with Jill Knuckles & Shanelle St. Hilaire
The Prairie Webinar Series is proud to prioritize the expertise of artists working in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, promoting discussion with our provincial neighbours on various topics while sharing investment in prairie perspectives. The formula is simple: look forward to two 25-minute presentations from two artists speaking to their practice and their experience with a given discussion topic, followed by a 30-minute Q&A period.
JILL KNUCKLES is a mixed-media sculptor based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Canada), located in Treaty 7 territory. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Sculpture from the Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary and holds a Diploma in Business Administration from MacEwan University in Edmonton. Always eager to learn new techniques and explore different materials, she has advanced her career through various workshops, residencies, and exhibitions across Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Recently, Jill completed a unique low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, with a focus on art and ecology.
Jill has a wide range of experiences, both paid and volunteer. She is currently employed as the manager of the Alberta Craft Council in Calgary, where she oversees exhibition curation and installation, public engagement, retail, events, fundraising, and mentorship programs.
In addition to her professional work, Jill started, organized, and nurtured a successful seasonal art sale, Handmade Here, for 17 years before passing the mantle to her successors two years ago. Jill also maintains an active art and production practice, selling sculptures and whimsical fiber objects.
SHANELLE ST. HILAIRE is a multi-disciplinary artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty One Territory), and a member of the Red River Métis community. Specializing in painting, craft, and more recently, beadwork, sound, and digital programming, St. Hilaire’s practice is rooted in research and process, with a focus on materiality and technique.
She earned her honours BFA from The School of Art at the University of Manitoba in 2023. St. Hilaire is an active board member of CARFAC Manitoba and a member of The Nocturne Collective.
They were awarded the 2025 Manitoba Craft Council’s Retreat Award along with members of The Nocturne Collective. She won the 2025 CineVista Oasis Film Festival Award for Gâteau Gurl (Pussy Pussy Pussy), micro-short made in collaboration with Rae Swan of The Nocturne Collective.
Her work explores diverse themes, including plant science, gender identity, and the human-nature connection, often framed through feminist perspectives.