Melissa M. Francis

Studio 120 NL

Melissa Francis is a Mi'kmaw multi-disciplinary, visual artist from Gander Bay, Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), a part of the Qalipu First Nations. Her work primarily focuses on bright colours, and bold designs inspired by her Mi’kmaw heritage, and growing up in the colourful province of Newfoundland; along with works that focus on multi-cultural identity issues, and financial struggles within the province. Over the past 10 years, she has expanded her work into the world of mural arts after learning from, and working with mural artists from across the province, country, and globe. Melissa has taken on apprenticeships, residencies, installations, and exhibitions across her home province and throughout Canada. Having a large focus on painting within her practice, she has also taken on other mediums such as sculpture, embroidery, beading and text and digital based work. Creating and sharing art with communities and people has always been one of her biggest passions in life. Melissa has recently graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia via distance learning, and has received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts via distance learning.