Kelly Cannell, a celebrated Coast Salish artist from the Musqueam Nation in Vancouver, B.C., creates vibrant and thought-provoking works that reflect a deep connection to her culture and the natural world. Inspired by the rich artistic traditions of the Musqueam community, her art combines intricate details and vivid colours while exploring innovative techniques.

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Cannell’s artistic journey began early when she started collaborating with her mother, renowned artist Susan Point, at the age of 12. Her passion for diverse mediums has led her to work in carving, painting, metal sculpture, silk screen printing, glass and more. She has studied at prestigious institutions, including the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington and The Glass Furnace in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2019, Cannell was awarded a contemporary art scholarship that allowed her to collaborate with Venetian master glassblowers at the Berengo Glass Studio in Murano, Italy. She also refined her skills in acrylic painting and printmaking at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

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Her work, admired for its powerful storytelling and innovation, is featured in public art installations across Greater Vancouver and beyond. Some notable pieces include Vancouver storm sewer covers, a large cedar carving for CBC Radio, Westbank development resident light boxes, Starbucks Waterfront Station murals, the Apple TV Indigenous Voices banner, University of British Columbia glass canopies, Lelem Development sculpture and light installations, Thind Development Metrotown Metal sculpture and murals like Keepers of the Land, a tribute to the stewardship of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations at BCIT Burnaby. These installations demonstrate her ability to merge tradition with contemporary artistry, ensuring Coast Salish culture remains vibrant and visible in urban spaces.

 

Cannell’s art reflects her commitment to environmental themes and cultural preservation, raising awareness about the importance of stewardship and community. In 2024, she received the prestigious Polygon BC Achievement First Nations Art Award, further solidifying her influence in the Canadian art scene. Looking ahead, additional installations are planned for 2025, promising to expand her impact even further.

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Frequently collaborating with family members, Cannell highlights the importance of intergenerational knowledge-sharing in her work. Through her artistry, she continues to preserve and evolve Coast Salish traditions, inspiring audiences while bridging the past with the future.