Fairmont Empress Introduces Artist in Residence Program

Fairmont Empress launches its Artist in Residence program, captivating guests with live art performances and showcasing the extraordinary talents of local artists in the Greater Victoria area. Artists using various mediums are set to display their work in the hotel’s mezzanine from October and into April 2024, providing a culturally enriching experience for all hotel visitors.

Each month, a distinguished local artist will demonstrate their artistic prowess on canvas through live painting sessions. Guests and the community will have the unique opportunity to witness the birth of a masterpiece as the artists create stunning works of art right before their eyes. The artists will share their creative process and inspirations, providing an intimate glimpse into the world of artistry.

“We are thrilled to support local artists and be a part of their creative journey,” said General Manager Dan McGowan. “This program provides our guests and the community an invaluable opportunity to engage with artists and learn about their discipline and artistic approach. We deeply appreciate the arts and wish to celebrate our local artists by providing a space for them to connect with our local community and those from abroad visiting our beautiful city. Each piece of art tells a story and encourages artistic exploration, inspiring all of us to explore our city through an artistic lens.”

On Saturday, November 18, nine local artists will come together for ‘Artistry at Afternoon Tea’, a special event hosted in the Palm Court where the artists will live paint during the Afternoon Tea service from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants can admire other unique pieces of work by the artists, which are available for purchase. Reservations for Afternoon Tea service can be made online.

The artists in residence will be on-site three times per week during their monthly residency. Schedules will be posted online at the beginning of each month. Follow along on social media @FairmontEmpress for further details on the upcoming schedule and the artist’s creative process along the way.

Meet the Artists by visiting their profiles online. 

About Fairmont Empress
Recognized as one of the Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine and honored by Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards for Top 3 City Hotels in Canada, Fairmont Empress is located in Victoria, BC overlooking the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour. A Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond property that offers 431 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Willow Stream Spa with signature West Coast experiences, and Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, an award-winning wine list, and regionally focused cocktail culture. World-famous Tea at the Empress is served in the Lobby Lounge with stunning harbour views. The Grande Dame property completed a $60+ million restoration in 2017 that celebrated its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury and transforming the iconic property into a must-visit destination. In 2023, the property introduced a revamped Fairmont Gold Experience, including a major renovation to the Fairmont Gold floor. 88 Fairmont Gold rooms are now ready to accommodate guests along with a newly renovated lounge. Located on Vancouver Island, Canada’s Castle on the Coast is the ideal starting point to explore British Columbia’s stunning natural and expansive beauty.

About Fairmont 
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexist with the infinite – an unrivaled portfolio of more than 80 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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Media release and images provided by Lisa McPhail, Fairmont Empress