22 Aug - 31 Oct, '25
9:30am - 5:00pm
Franchesca Raven Bell or yutəlx is a Syilx Nation member with heritage connections to the Secwepemc Nation. She currently lives and works on the Osoyoos Indian Band reserve in her community, where she actively engages in language revitalization efforts. She has worked with various mediums and specializes in using digital art as her primary creative medium, utilizing technology to express her artistic vision. Franchesca’s art is deeply rooted in her language and culture, and she believes that nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn and the connection to the land are central to her nation.
She studied at the esteemed Emily Carr University of Art and Design and has a certificate in Graphic Design through Alison. She has completed the National Aboriginal Professional Artist Training at The En’owkin Centre. This two-year program was designed to safeguard and maintain Indigenous perspectives and artistic expressions in a traditional heritage format while incorporating interdisciplinary works with contemporary practice. She credits this program with inspiring her to explore language, culture, and art more deeply.
Franchesca is an active member of Syilx Indigenous collectives such as The Ullus Collective and the Kama Collective. She collaborates closely with the Ullus Collective to support her professional development.
Franchesca aspires to become a well-recognized Syilx artist known for her unique voice and perspective. As she grows her artistic practice, she aims to achieve the recognition and respect of her peers and the broader community for her work.
One of her goals is to find a harmonious balance between her work as a practicing artist and her deep connection to her language and culture. As she progress in her artistic journey, she aims to integrate her cultural-knowledge more fully into her creative process. At the same time, she hopes to actively engage with her language and culture beyond her art. This includes participating in community events, ceremonies, and language revitalization initiatives. By fostering a strong connection to her roots, she believes she can enrich both her art and her understanding of who she is as an Indigenous person.
Created by Artist-in-Residence yutəlx/Franchesca Raven Bell
A saskatoon bush stands strong on its own, but flourishes even more when attended to.
During her time as part of the Olivia and Greg Yuel Artist-in-Residence Program, artist yutəlx/Franchesca Raven Bell uncovered a connection between her traditional lands of the Syilx people in the Okanagan and the Northern Plains that Wanuskewin resides on; the siʔiłp or saskatoon bush. Using the siʔiłp/saskatoon bush as a metaphor, yutəlx likens her time at Wanuskewin to a saskatoon bush that flourishes when in a nurturing and supportive environment. Through a vibrant display of digital and acrylic art, yutəlx shares stories of culture, connection, and gratitude that inspire her artistic practice as a Syilx woman.
Organized as part of the Olivia and Greg Yuel Artist-in-Residence Program.
