T H E   T E A M

Our Founders

KI(EL)

AM(ANDA)

GUELPH COMMUNITY

Kiel (Artist/Co-owner)

Kiel has been passionate about art from a young age. Struggling with school at a young age, art gave Kiel the confidence he lacked in other academic areas. Determined to achieve his goals, Kiel studied art and graduated with honours from the University of Guelph; a diverse program that allowed him to explore different techniques of art making. Following this, Kiel obtained his teaching degree from Lakehead University in 2012. His passion for creating art and his knowledge of how it feels to struggle through school is what drives his vision for educating through art, and his goals for Art in The Ward. 

Amanda (Artist/Co-owner)

​Amanda has always enjoyed artistic ways of expressing herself. Whether it was through dance, singing, or drawing, creative spaces have always inspired her. Despite being told by a teacher at a young age that she wasn't good enough to pursue a life in art, Amanda graduated with honours from the University of Guelph Studio Art program in 2010 and obtained a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University in 2013. Integrating art and education for the community,  giving people confidence to explore their passions and bringing people together through art is what guides her dreams for Art in The Ward. 

Community

​The Guelph community has been such a supportive place for KIAM to work and live as a collaborative team. Growing up in Guelph, both artists have chose this place to work and raise their 3 children. We are excited and honoured to create a space that welcomes the community to explore themselves through art in an inclusive and innovative setting in the heart of Guelph's oldest neighbourhoods, St. Patrick's Ward. 

Our Story

We haven't always created art together. We both loved making art and have been doing so from a young age. But it wasn't until we went backpacking in Europe that it sparked our discussions about exploring a life in art. While backpacking we went to galleries in the UK, France, Italy and Spain. We marvelled at ingenious architecture, and sat in awe watching street artists work with such passion and focus. Being exposed to so much art and history inspired us to want to create art that resonates and inspires others. We returned home after a few months of backpacking and started art school the following year. We dove into the art program at the University of Guelph and explored many ways of creating. Exploring photography, print making, drawing, painting and sculpture we felt the program gave us different tools and techniques to further develop our art practice. After graduating from the University of Guelph, we completed our teaching degrees at Lakehead University. 

Knowing that we had a love for art and teaching, we have explored different ways to create a life doing so. Since 2010, we have been working collaboratively as KIAM Studio, creating work that documents our experiences. Following our passion, inspiration and formal training, both in art and education, we developed Art in The Ward to create an inclusive, inviting and innovative space for workshops, classes and art events for our community. We want our workshops, classes and camps to provide our community, both adults and children, with tools that will inspire them, give them confidence and encourage them to find their passion. We want our students to see that art can inspire and transform you, connect you to yourself and your community, and make you see the world in a new way.  

​Living, working and creating a space in The Ward that brings people together and invites individuals to explore themselves through art is something we are very excited about. We look forward to seeing you in the studio!