Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is pleased to announce our second artist-in-residence at the CNH Annex! From January to February 2026, Esmie Gayo McLaren joins us to develop her creative practice.
Meet Esmie
Esmie Gayo McLaren paints scenes of everyday life through emotive use of colour and light. She received her artistic training through Emily Carr University after obtaining a BSc Biology/ Psychology from the University of Alberta. Her oil, acrylic, and watercolour paintings received awards, including best of show, excellence in figurative work, and first prize in the 2025 UBC visual art competition. In 2022, she received the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society’s Recognition Award for connecting communities through her art.
Esmie exhibits her work internationally in group and solo shows, and shares her creative passion through artist talks and workshops. She views her art practice as an extension of her personal experiences. Her deep love for nature and gardens, dance, people, and travel continuously inspires her sensitive and dynamic expressions.
Photos: Esmie during and after different parts of her process! On the left, Esmie preps a canvas. On the right, Esmie stands next to “Symbiosis,” a mural she created for CNH at the Norquay Community Learning Orchard (2732 Horley Street).
Esmie is a local resident in the neighbourhood who has led art workshops at CNH, participated in seniors’ hula classes, and facilitated creative activities during Collingwood Days. As part of her residency, Esmie plans to lead a workshop with seniors at CNH, teaching them to create art based on everyday objects.
Esmie’s residency takes place from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27, 2026. To learn more about arts programs at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/arts-culture or call 604-435-0323.