Introducing Jennie Vegt, artist in residence at the Office of the City Clerk

In April, the EAC and the City of Edmonton launched the call for an artist residency in the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall. The project is guided by The Art of Living, the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Arts Council’s joint cultural plan—one of its major recommendations was the establishment of expanded artist in residence projects, particularly within City departments.

We are excited to announce that Jennie Vegt was selected for the position. Vegt is a figurative painter who says she loves to depict people in suits, social events, and conversations. For her, the residency is a dream come true. 

“I’ve been wanting to do a residency for quite a long time,” said Vegt. “I’ve been working alone in my studio, and I’m not really cut out for the reclusive artist role, so the whole idea of working around a community and having people coming by, maybe doing a little painting themselves, it really excites me.”

In her new role, Vegt will develop a body of work while interacting with the work of the Office of the City Clerk, as well as other City Hall staff and visitors, such as the offices of the Mayor and City Councillors, and the many special events, tour groups, employees and visitors that pass through City Hall. 

Vegt’s new studio is the space directly above Council Chambers. She’ll be able to peek down on public City Council meetings as they happen, and will benefit from the ample light provided by the glass pyramid above her.

“I think the space is so awesome, there’s something really cool about the idea that I’m working in a loft-style space above the City Councillors, above their meeting room,” says Vegt. “I made a joke that I’ll be like the Phantom of the Opera working from above. With all the light, it’s kind of a dream job.”

Vegt has lived in Edmonton since 2005, and holds a Diploma of Fine Art from MacEwan and a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Alberta. Locally, she’s participated in exhibits at Latitude 53, the Artery, The Works, Enterprise Square Gallery and FAB Gallery at the U of A. She’s also had her work exhibited in Toronto and Minnesota, and will be participating in New York’s Affordable Art Fair this September.

Vegt will begin her six-month residency in the Office of the City Clerk this Monday, June 9. Stay tuned for updates on her progress in this exciting new role!