my 2025 Artist Recap
- Sharl Smith
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
2025 was a big year with many changes.
After 2 months of planning, writing proposals and hiring new staff, the year flew by with non-stop projects, experimentation and new discoveries.
Here are a few highlights:
MAY
THEMUSEUM - Kaleidoscope Exhibition
As part of the Kaleidoscope exhibition I showcased a piece called Rainbow Serpent, which is a part of my ongoing exploration into Afro-Caribbean spirituality and philosophy.
JUNE
TOAF and Art Nest in Toronto
At this year’s Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), I debuted a new series of smaller-scale steel and brass sculptures.
Additionally, through TOAF’s Art Nest program, I was commissioned to create a freestanding work using oversized stainless steel beads and aircraft cable.
Photo credit: Carol Spooner
JULY - SEPTEMBER
PRIVATE ART COMMISSION
This summer, I completed my largest beadwork tapestry commission to date. Working 12-16 hours/day and managing a team of six people, we produced 40 x 6 feet of handwoven steel and brass beadwork in under 12 weeks.
Photo credit: Carol Spooner
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
CITY OF KITCHENER - BERLIN TOWER
In November, I installed my first beaded tapestry mixed with metal and wood, Yemoja, at the City of Kitchener’s Berlin Tower ARTSPACE. The work marked my first use of wood beads and further explored warped square stitch beadwork. The theme was inspired by Yemoja, the Yoruba Orisha of the ocean. On a recent trip to Jamaica I had a deep spiritual connection with the ocean while I was learning about Yemoja, Revivalism and West African spirituality that has survived in contemporary Jamaican culture.
NOVEMBER
GLOBE STUDIOS ART SHOW AND SALE
In November, I also participated in Globe Studios Art Show and Sale in which I shared new sculptures made from wood beads, continuing my inquiry into form, materials, and scale. These works have inspired me to further experiment with wood as a material. As a result, I have begun working on a larger-scale wall-mounted project, which I will keep you updated on next year.
Photo credit: (wood) Carol Spooner
DECEMBER
STUDIO 27 - BEADWORK WORKSHOP
For my last public event, I hosted a beadwork workshop at Studio 27/Holly’s Café, where I taught participants how to make custom band rings using the Peyote stitch. The peyote stitch is a fundamental technique in bead weaving and a core element of my own practice, as I use it in the majority of my sculptures. After not teaching for some time, it was both meaningful and fun to share this technique and to meet new beaders.
Below are some totally candid (not posed at all) photos of some of the participants and their created rings.
EVERYTHING I APPLIED FOR (AND DIDN'T GET)
While I had a great year, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the many rejections. A large amount of time and effort goes into every application as an artist. This year everything I applied for was rejected. I spent the equivalent of 3 months writing and submitting these applications.
Submitted Open Calls:
Rockcliff Riverine Flood Mitigation Public Art Opportunity
Kluane National Park Artist Residency
Southern Alberta Art Gallery Submission
CIBC C2
Artist in Residency for City of Kitchener
Langs Drive Public Art Installation
Upper Canada Park City of Kitchener
Scarborough Town Centre Lands Public Pedestrian Mews Artwork
North York Express 2 Condominiums
Daniel Corp Local Art for Queen Quay East Office Lobby
Pending Notification:
OAC Visual Artists Creation Projects
Pat the Dog Microgrants
[UPDATE] Successfully awarded a 2025 Region of Waterloo Arts Fund Grant!
2026 COMING UP!
2026 is full of exciting new projects and opportunities.
One of the projects I have booked in May 2026 is the Cambridge Art Galleries 'Artist Garden', where I will be displaying an outdoor steel sculpture. The exhibition will run from May 16th to October 4th 2026 so be sure to check it out!
More information about the work will be released closer to the exhibition date.
AGO x RBC Workshop Performance: I will be revisiting this project in 2026 and developing a larger presentation with Virtu Arts Theatre. Keep a look out!
NEW DIRECTIONS: Based on the work from this year, I am inspired to explore more wall-mounted creations with colour!!
Year in review Summary
In conclusion, this year was very busy and full of new learning opportunities for me as an artist. I was grateful to complete 15 new sculptures and to push myself by experimenting with new materials, techniques, and colour in my weaving. Each project pushed me to grow creatively and gain a deeper understanding of my chosen medium. With each year I gain more confidence in artistic expression and vision.
Thank you for taking the time to follow my artistic year in review.
I deeply appreciate all your support and interest in my work and journey.
See you next year!
