This event has come to a close, though we encourage you to stay tuned for what's next by clicking here! Photos from the tour will be gathered and used within a mural design which will be installed at Kiyām Community Park.

What is it about your life that truly connects you to the region? Whether it’s fishing at your favourite local lake, spending time as a family at the community park, or exploring the land in your hiking shoes, we invite you to participate in a region-wide Pop-Up Photography Tour this August.

Public Art Wood Buffalo and Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism have partnered to capture the everyday life of people who call this region home through photography and videography. The photos and videos captured of people and landscapes will become a part of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo place brand and will be used on a larger scale to promote the region. A selection of the gathered images will also be used to create a dynamic mural at Kiyām Community Park.

Well-known and respected artists Crystal Mercredi and Lucas Seaward will tour from Fort Fitzgerald to Conklin throughout August to capture the unique landscapes, peoples and cultures in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. Join the fun by registering* now to be a part of a photography pop-up or Everyday Life video and you could be part of a national campaign!

Mentorship Opportunity

Are you a photographer or videographer who would like to learn from the pros? Join Crystal and Lucas with your personal equipment while they’re in your community by registering* below.

*Please note registration is not required, though recommended for the Everyday Life videos and showing interest in being a mentee. This registration helps our creatives to properly prepare before meeting with you. Thank you!

Meet the Artists

Crystal Mercredi is a photographer passionately in love with living, working and playing throughout FMWB. She was the 2020 Buffy recipient for Visual Artist of the Year and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her commercial and portrait photography. Along with creating imagery Crystal enjoys mentoring other artists and entrepreneurs as well as organizing opportunities for learning. She is also the Northern Alberta Branch Chair for the Professional Photographers of Canada and is a founding member of FMWB United Way 365 Business Circle. Her business, Life and Portraits, started in 2013 and specializes in corporate event photography, marketing photography, and headshots. Crystal is known as Fort McMurray’s Premier Headshot Photographer!

Designer, photographer and award-winning artist, Lucas Seawardis regarded as one of Canada's most imaginative nature artists. Locally known for his transformative oil sands art, Lucas has developed his own visual vocabulary and inimitable style.

From mixed media photography to bitumen paintings Lucas has found an endless source of inspiration in the rich Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo landscape. His art invites us to view the region as a magical, fluid, and invigorating panorama.

Lucas has forged a unique balance between his passions in traditional and digital art. With over 17 years experience in graphic design, and a proven track record of bringing ideas to life, Lucas has developed a reputation as a go-to creative solution provider with expert design thinking.

Learn more about the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo place brand at WeAreFMWB.ca.

Register For Pop-up Photo or Video Session

CLOSED: The pop-up tour has concluded.

What is it about your life that truly connects you to the region? Whether it’s fishing at your favourite local lake, spending time as a family at the community park, or exploring the land in your hiking shoes, we invite you to participate in a region-wide Pop-Up Photography Tour this August. A second opportunity is available to record the story of what connects you to the region through an Everyday Life video too. Did you move to Fort McMurray with a 3-year plan that turned into choosing Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo your home forever? Or, has your family been in the region for generations? These stories truly showcase the personality of the region!

You're invited to register to have your photo taken or to share your story in an Everyday Life video, or both! By taking part in this exciting opportunity, your portrait could be used within a mural at Kiyām Community Park, or for a national campaign promoting the region.

The personal information on this form is collected under the authority of Section 33 (c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The personal information will be used to process your application/registration, administer the program and as contact information for the delivery of information. If you have any questions regarding the collection or use of this information contact the Coordinator, Department of Communications and Engagement, 9909 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, AB. T9H 2K4, or call (780) 788-4345.

Thank you to those who participated in this engagement. You can learn more about this project below, or subscribe to Participate Wood Buffalo to stay connected (or get involved) with future engagement projects impacting our region.

Register For a One-Day Mentorship

CLOSED: The pop-up tour has concluded.

Celebrated photographers Crystal Mercredi and Lucas Seaward are offering the opportunity of a lifetime to budding photographers and videographers in rural communities with a one-day mentorship from the pros. If you are interested in learning their best-kept tips and tricks, sign up to join them while they are in your area! Register here to hold your spot, and don't forget to bring your personal equipment on your mentorship day!

The personal information on this form is collected under the authority of Section 33 (c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The personal information will be used to process your application/registration, administer the program and as contact information for the delivery of information. If you have any questions regarding the collection or use of this information contact the Coordinator, Department of Communications and Engagement, 9909 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, AB. T9H 2K4, or call (780) 788-4345.

Thank you to those who participated in this engagement. You can learn more about this project below, or subscribe to Participate Wood Buffalo to stay connected (or get involved) with future engagement projects impacting our region.