Some artists come to a residency once. A few return. And then there are the rare artists who become part of the fabric of the place itself.
We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kristi Poole-Adler back to Studio H Canada International Artist Residency for her third residency. This visit marks an exciting new chapter—not only for Kristi, but for Studio H Canada—as she steps into the role of Residency Manager while I am away in Manitoba attending a family member’s Celebration of Life and continuing my Métis family research in Manigotagan.
This is Kristi’s first time managing a residency, and I could not imagine anyone better suited to the role.
She will be welcoming and supporting two British Columbia artists whose practices could not be more different. Shirry Insole brings an expansive multidisciplinary practice rooted in environmental stewardship, walking, place, and community engagement, while Keyede Osuntokun explores identity, popular culture, anime, and illustration through vibrant contemporary visual storytelling. One of the joys of Studio H Canada is creating space where artists with very different approaches can live, work, and learn from one another, and I know Kristi will help foster those conversations with warmth and generosity.
As an artist, Kristi continually impresses me.
Working primarily in textiles, she transforms the visual language of our digital lives—text messages, dating apps, notifications, emojis, and phone interfaces—into exquisitely crafted woven, embroidered, and felted works. At first they may feel playful or familiar, but beneath the humour lie thoughtful explorations of intimacy, vulnerability, loneliness, mental health, technology, and the complicated ways we connect with one another.
Her exhibition Sweet Nothings demonstrates remarkable technical skill while fearlessly tackling contemporary social issues. Whether weaving on a Jacquard TC2 digital loom, machine embroidering found fabrics, or hand stitching sculptural textile works, Kristi continually pushes herself into new territory.
What I admire most, however, is not simply her talent.
Kristi is remarkably willing to take risks. She embraces challenging technologies with enthusiasm, from mastering the TC2 digital loom to learning embroidery techniques on our Janome 550E during previous residencies. She has a genuine curiosity and an eagerness to learn that makes her an absolute pleasure to work with. She is hardworking, generous with fellow artists, deeply committed to her practice, and one of those people who quietly lifts everyone around her. Like many emerging artists, she is modest about her accomplishments, yet her work speaks with confidence, originality, and an increasingly distinctive artistic voice.
Her growing list of achievements reflects that dedication. Kristi holds a BFA (Honours) from the University of Alberta and an MFA from OCAD University’s Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design program. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and has completed residencies at Artscape Gibraltar Point (Toronto), The Icelandic Textile Center (Blönduós, Iceland), Kunstkollektivet 8B (Denmark), Praxis Fiber Workshop (Cleveland, Ohio), and Studio H Canada. She has also received grants from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation and the Canada Council for the Arts.
One of the greatest joys of running Studio H Canada is watching artists grow over multiple visits. Seeing Kristi return again and again—each time expanding both her technical abilities and artistic vision—has been a privilege. Supporting emerging artists isn’t simply about providing studio space; it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping talented people take the next step in their careers.
Inviting Kristi to take on the role of Residency Manager felt like a natural progression. I have every confidence that she will do a wonderful job, and I know Shirry and Keyede will be in excellent hands.
Residencies are often places where artists come to immerse themselves in their own creative practice. At Studio H Canada, we also hope they become places where artists return, grow, mentor others, and become part of a creative community. Kristi is a wonderful example of that journey, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome her back.
About Kristi Poole-Adler
Kristi Poole-Adler is an interdisciplinary artist from Whistler, British Columbia. She holds a BFA (Honours) from the University of Alberta and an MFA from OCAD University’s Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design program. Her work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally, and she has participated in residencies at Artscape Gibraltar Point (Toronto), The Icelandic Textile Center (Blönduós, Iceland), Kunstkollektivet 8B (Nykøbing, Denmark), Praxis Fiber Workshop (Cleveland, Ohio), and Studio H Canada International Artist Residency. She is the recipient of grants from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation (2017) and the Canada Council for the Arts (2023 and 2024).
You can learn more about Kristi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noinstikristi/
Artists of all media and disciplines are welcome to apply to Studio H Canada International Art Residency – please check out the link here to apply.
Check out previous posts about artists here.
