The Riding Mountain Artists’ Residency gives Manitoban artists time to focus on their work in the beautiful natural setting of Riding Mountain National Park.
The next artist-in-residence for 2025 is Fredrick Lyle Spence. Ahead of his time in the historic Deep Bay Cabin, Fredrick answered a few of our questions about his work and how he’ll be spending his residency.
MAC: Tell us a little about yourself as an artist and your practice.
Fredrick: I am a self-taught Ojibwe multi-media sculptor from Peguis First Nation, Manitoba. Since a young age, I’ve always loved creating. Somewhere through the journey, I lost that passion. After finding myself as a young adult, the Seven Sacred Grandfather teachings and the animals have helped guide me. I found myself through my art and those spiritual teachings. Creating art is my therapy and allows me to express myself in ways that can be hard to put into words. It brings me a lot of joy, pride and mindfulness. I share the art form and message through community workshops in hopes that I can help spark healing and joy for others.
Tell us about your project — what will you be working on in the Deep Bay Cabin?
During my stay in Riding Mountain National Park, I will be working on various bison sculptures. The sculptures will range from small (approximately 5-10 pounds) to large (approximately 100 pounds). The main inspiration for the works will come strictly from visits to the Lake Audy Bison Ranch. I will sit and visit with the bison (from the safety of my vehicle) while showing them the respect they deserve.
What is your relationship with the park?
I have been to the park on multiple occasions throughout my life and find memories and joy each time I’ve visited. From a weekend of camping with my family as a child, to now enjoying the park with my son and partner. I’ve also enjoyed wonderful hikes in the park, including visits to Bald Hill.
How do you hope the park will influence or inspire your project or practice?
The Audy Lake Bison Ranch will help inspire the works I will be creating. Visiting and spending time with the bison will give me access to these incredible creatures that I have yet to experience. Spending time in nature is typically my most powerful way to recharge my spiritual energy — walks in the forest during my stay at Riding Mountain will spark my creative flow and spiritual energy needed while carving.
Anything else you’d like to share with readers and the Riding Mountain National Park community?
I believe in the transfer of energy. Using my hands, carving, sanding, talking to the stone, pouring energy into the work. Throughout the process, I want a certain amount of love and joy passed onto the art. At times, even once a piece is “done”, it still may not have received all it requires. I have been told that at times, pieces may need to stay with me longer. Once enough love and joy have been absorbed, only then will it be ready to go onto its next stage, another home, to then give off that same love and joy.
The Riding Mountain Artists’ Residency is offered in partnership by the Manitoba Arts Council and Riding Mountain National Park.
Interested in the staying in the Deep Bay cabin? Find out how to apply to the Riding Mountain Artists Residency through the Learn – Residencies grant stream. Apply by January 15, 2026 for a residency in the summer of 2026.
