Kamloops Art Party strives to be a leading creative hub in Kamloops and beyond, where art, community, and imagination unite. We strive to inspire and empower individuals of all ages and abilities through accessible, high-quality artistic experiences, from pottery to painting, while fostering meaningful connections, cultural enrichment, and personal growth. Through innovation and collaboration, we aim to expand our impact and transform everyday moments into unforgettable artistic expressions.
We are honored to work, live and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc people. Every Child Matters.
Kamloops Art Party Studio
#8-177 Tranquille Road, Kamloops BC
250-299-4342
sales@kamloopsartparty.com
Our Story
In 2017, our journey began with a simple yet brilliant idea: paint and sips. Armed with 30 setups and a collection of handmade aprons, we embarked on a mission to bring creativity and joy to our community. By 2019, our passion had blossomed, leading us to our first shared studio space and expanding our offerings to include children's classes and explore a variety of art mediums.
As our popularity soared, we found ourselves in need of a larger space, and in 2020, we made the leap to a shared studio on 12th St. However, just as we settled in, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, presenting us with unforeseen challenges. Undeterred, we pivoted our approach, harnessing our creativity to launch online art sessions and home kits, ensuring that art remained accessible and enjoyable for all.
Amidst the turbulence, a beacon of opportunity emerged in August 2022 when we were offered the chance to purchase a ceramic studio. Seeing this as a sign of our growth and resilience, we seized the opportunity and upgraded to our current, expanded space. Today, we stand as a testament to the power of adaptability and passion, continuing to inspire creativity in every stroke and sip.
Our Team Of Rockstar Artists
Carly Schmidt
Chief Executive Officer / Owner / Artist
Email: carly@kamloopsartparty.com
Cell: 250-299-2202
Carly Schmidt, the creative force behind Schmidt Faced Artistry, is a multifaceted artist known for her high-quality animal and human portraits, fun and functional pottery, bold pastel drawings, and captivating murals. Carly’s work spans a variety of mediums, including acrylic painting, pottery, pastels, mixed media, paint pouring, sketching, watercolor, oil, and clay.
Art has been a part of Carly’s life since she could hold a crayon. During high school, she began honing her skills, and after interviewing several high-profile artists, she knew that art was her true path. This realization led her to complement her self-taught art education with business courses, giving her the foundation to start her own creative venture.
Carly's journey took a significant step forward when she sold her first piece internationally, boosting her confidence. Founding Kamloops Art Party in 2017 and then expanding into a larger studio in 2021 at 177 Tranquille Rd were key milestones that deepened her love for art and community. As both owner and workshop leader, Carly leads with love, empowering people to embrace creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
Her artwork is often inspired by water, nature, bright colors and strong contrasts. She draws influence from everyone she meets—from people of any age and ability creating in her studio to visionary artists like Kirsha Kaechele. Carly loves the collaborative nature of the Kamloops art community, where artists team up and support one another.
Carly’s favorite moments at Kamloops Art Party include the monumental task of moving 10,000 molds of various sizes, an experience that showcased the power of teamwork. Her work has been exhibited in local businesses and through the Kamloops Arts Council, though her current focus is on growing her businesses.
When she’s not creating, Carly enjoys swimming, spending time with her dog Laika, traveling, and being with loved ones. As she looks to the future, she envisions combining her painting and pottery skills to push her creative boundaries even further.
Marcie Mutch
Chief Operating Officer / Event Manager / Artist
Email: sales@kamloopsartparty.com
Cell: 250-377-5435
Marcie Mutch, also known by her artist name Mutch Creations, is a versatile artist whose work blends abstract and surrealism to create captivating, mystical pieces. Marcie primarily works with acrylics, watercolor, and drawing, exploring themes of nature, line work, and the mystical in her art.
Marcie’s passion for creativity began in her childhood, growing up in a small logging camp near Adams Lake, where the natural beauty around her sparked her imagination. Self-taught, Marcie’s artistic journey has been shaped by her close friendships, particularly her childhood friend Cara and her dear friend Carly Schmidt, who encouraged her to share her creations and pursue art more confidently.
Marcie’s connection to Kamloops Art Party (KAP) began when she started leading paint nights at local pubs and the studio's first small location. Over time, her role evolved into becoming the Chief Operating Officer and Events Manager, where she oversees operations, community events, and artistic projects. Memorable experiences include her involvement in community events like Overlander’s Day and Tapestry Festival, and her deep connection to the creative team at KAP.
Although Marcie has no formal training in art—having studied Tourism Management, with a focus in Events & Convention Management —her natural talent and dedication have allowed her to flourish as both an artist and a business leader. She finds daily inspiration from the talented artists she works with at Kamloops Art Party, and she loves the inclusive, raw, and genuine nature of the Kamloops art community.
Through her workshops, Marcie hopes participants leave feeling inspired, empowered, and part of a welcoming creative space. In addition to her involvement at KAP, she is also helping develop a non-profit organization designed to fund art supplies, instruments, and lessons for high-risk youth and low-income families, further expanding her impact in the community.
Her advice for aspiring artists is simple: “Follow your dreams. We are all artists creating our own unique reality.”
Outside of art, Marcie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, her beloved pets, and her life partner Kevin. She loves connecting with nature through hiking and swimming, as well as finding peaceful moments to read. Marcie is also passionate about learning and continuously expanding her knowledge in business, leadership, and personal growth.
Liz Thiessen
Studio Supervisor / Lead Instructor / Artist
Email: enjoycustomart01@gmail.com
Liz Joy Thiessen, known by her artist name EnJoy Custom Art, is a Kamloops-based artist specializing in realism and portrait art. With a deep love for nature, animals, and vibrant colors, Liz works with a variety of mediums, including acrylic paint, pyrography (wood burning), and pottery, creating stunning works that bring subjects to life with remarkable detail.
Inspired by her uncle’s landscape oil paintings, Liz has been passionate about art since a young age. She always aspired to "be that good" and dreamed of becoming a full-time artist. In 2017, Liz made a five-year plan to pursue art professionally, starting with pet portraits, despite feeling intimidated by portraiture. Her dedication quickly paid off as her work gained recognition, and her skills in portrait art flourished.
For the past three years, Liz has been part of Kamloops Art Party (KAP), where she plays a multifaceted role as the Studio Supervisor, mural artist, and workshop leader. She believes fate brought her to KAP, and she embraces her role with an open-minded and patient approach, understanding that every participant learns at their own pace.
One of her most memorable experiences at KAP was the creation of a large mural with the entire team. The project brought the community together, and Liz witnessed each artist level up their skills, making it a truly inspiring and bonding experience.
Van Gogh and Bob Ross were early influences on Liz’s work, and today, she continues to find inspiration from a wide range of artists, both local and international, thanks to the reach of social media and her connections in the Kamloops art community. What Liz loves most about being part of this community is the deeper connection she feels with people she may not have known otherwise, and the constant inspiration from new and diverse artistic styles.
Liz has exhibited her work at Kamloops Art Exposed, where she won an honorable mention, as well as at the Kamloops Library’s Art in Public Spaces program, and various local venues such as Brian's Bakery. Her future projects are sure to be exciting, with a growing focus on mural work.
In her workshops, Liz hopes participants walk away not only with practical skills like color mixing and brush techniques but also with a "creative bug" that encourages them to embrace the process of creating, even in the face of fear or failure.
Outside of art, Liz’s life is filled with the joys of raising two energetic boys and gardening. Her work can be viewed at The Effie Arts Collective and through her Facebook page, En-Joy Custom Art, where you can stay updated on her upcoming projects and exhibitions.
Her advice for budding artists is simple but profound: “Never stop learning and growing. The progress can take time and a lot of energy, but once you start seeing improvement, that's where the real excitement begins.”
Kat Mejia
Kiln Tech Manager / Ceramicist / Artist
Kat Mejia, the creative mind behind Fun Kiln Ceramics, is an artist whose work blends her passion for clay and acrylics. Her journey as an artist spans her entire life, deeply influenced by her sister, Carly, who has always inspired her and made this career a reality. Eavesdropping on Carly’s lessons, dreams, and skills has been a formative part of Kat’s self-taught training, shaping her unique artistic voice.
Kat officially joined Kamloops Art Party in August 2023, leaving her previous job to dive into the world of slip casting and ceramics without any prior experience. Now working as the Kiln Technician and lead on slip casting, she has embraced the technical side of ceramics while bringing her own flair to every piece she creates. Her artistic style is all about fun and funk, creating quirky, playful pieces that encourage freedom of expression.
At Kamloops Art Party, Kat finds daily inspiration from her fellow artists and loves being part of a community that shares her deep love for art. She enjoys encouraging participants to unleash their inner silliness, no matter their age, and believes that art is the perfect outlet for creativity, joy, and fun.
Kat looks forward to exhibiting her work for the first time in 2025 and is currently focused on developing her slip casting skills even further. She envisions her work becoming "weirder, with more arms," as she continues to push the boundaries of her creative exploration.
Her advice for aspiring artists? “Just do it! Who cares if it’s weird, ugly, or confusing—let it be whatever it wants to be.”
Outside of her work in the studio, Kat loves spending time with her beautiful husband, who continues to support and inspire her creative journey. As her work evolves, she’s excited to see where her artistic path takes her next.
Cassie Kliewer
Instructor / Artist
Cassie Renee Kliewer is a versatile artist whose style adapts to the medium she’s working with, often embracing expressionism and creating art based on her mood and inspirations of the day. Her love for mixed media shines through in her paintings, where she combines acrylic paint, paint pens, and collage on canvas. Cassie is equally passionate about pottery, a medium she fell in love with during high school.
Growing up in a creative family, Cassie was surrounded by art from a young age, with family dinners often turning into collaborative art sessions. It was in these moments that her passion for creating blossomed. She continued to nurture her artistic skills in high school at SKSS in Kamloops, where she was introduced to pottery, and was guided by her inspiring art teacher, Lisa Yamoka.
Cassie joined Kamloops Art Party in June 2022, a dream job that perfectly aligned with her passion for art. As an instructor, she leads a variety of workshops, teaches pottery lessons, guides drop-in clients, and assists with offsite events. One of her favorite experiences has been working on her first mural, a transformative project that allowed her to collaborate with her colleagues to create something truly special.
When teaching, Cassie emphasizes the importance of throwing away expectations and embracing the process of creation. Her goal is to create a fun, pressure-free environment where participants can focus on learning, enjoying the experience, and discovering their creative potential.
Inspired by both local and international artists, Cassie looks to the works of Japanese manga artist Junji Ito, whose intricate and eerie illustrations inspire her to embrace the weird in her own art. She also credits her high school teacher, Lisa Yamoka, for sparking her passion for pottery and encouraging her to pursue her artistic path.
Outside of Kamloops Art Party, Cassie is in her third year of studying business at TRU, with a focus on connecting her skills in business with her art to support herself as an artist. She is passionate about the importance of networking and building connections within her community.
Looking to the future, Cassie is excited to see her skills evolve as she continues to create and learn. Her long-term goal is to study graphic design professionally and combine her business acumen with her art skills to carve out a successful and fulfilling career.
Cassie will be showcasing her work at the upcoming Kamloops Art Party Studio Market and Party, where she will also be giving live art demonstrations. Her advice for aspiring artists: “Don’t expect perfection, be willing to learn from mistakes, and enjoy creating—do it because you love it, not because you have to.”
Kelly Manson
Instructor / Artist
Kelly Manson is a contemporary realist artist known for her love of murals, working primarily with acrylic paint and ink. Her art often explores the beauty of animals, landscapes, and nature. Kelly's journey into art began in childhood as a shy and introverted individual who found art to be a positive and open way to express herself. Influenced by her father and grandfather, both artists, Kelly learned to sketch and paint landscapes using oil paints at a very young age.
Entirely self-taught, Kelly has been part of the Kamloops Art Party team since 2022. She sought a space to meet new people and step out of her comfort zone, finding Kamloops Art Party to be the perfect place for connection and growth. As both an artist and workshop leader, she approaches teaching with a positive, energetic spirit, encouraging her attendees to have fun while embracing new techniques.
Kelly’s favorite workshops include seasonal themes, such as Painted Stepping Stone and Painted Porch Sign workshops, which allow her to explore different themes and add a touch of fun to her work. She also enjoys collaborating with other artists at Kamloops Art Party, drawing endless inspiration from the creativity of her colleagues.
Beyond her work at Kamloops Art Party, Kelly has created seasonal window murals for several local businesses, including Horizon Dental Clinic, RBC Bank, and Hub International. She has also painted commercial murals for River City Early Learning Center, Sahali Mall, and Haunting of Falkland. One of her proudest achievements is contributing to the Kamloops Art Party Mural in 2024.
Kelly is passionate about the inclusive and supportive Kamloops art community, where everyone can feel welcome. Her goal is to ensure that every participant in her workshops has a fun and memorable experience. Looking ahead, Kelly hopes to work on more large-scale commercial murals and enhance her skills by collaborating with experienced local muralists.
Outside of art, Kelly has been running a successful cake decorating business since 2009. Her artistic talents extend to baking, where she creates stunning cakes with the same passion she brings to her artwork. To view more of Kelly’s art, murals, cakes, and upcoming Kamloops Art Party events, visit her Instagram account @kellymansonart.
Her advice to aspiring artists: “Everything takes time. Take the time to learn, evolve, grow, and enhance your craft. Surround yourself with like-minded, positive people, and support one another.”
Dale Dwyer
Instructor / Volunteer Coordinator / Artist
Dale Dwyer is a multifaceted artist whose work spans craft-based creations and textile arts, with a current focus on a series of nature-inspired paintings that explore the beauty of the seasons. Working with mediums such as embroidery, acrylic, oil paint, and wax, Dale’s artistic style blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
A lifelong creator, Dale’s passion for art began with craft-based hobbies and grew into a professional pursuit through commercial sewing. This experience deepened his appreciation for working with soft mediums and traditional methods. Since moving to Canada, his artistic journey has evolved, and the inspiring people and landscapes of British Columbia have shaped his work in profound ways.
Dale studied at Canterbury College in Kent, England, and London Metropolitan University, where he honed his skills and learned the fundamentals of gallery exhibition. His work focuses on themes of nature, drawing a newfound appreciation for the changing seasons, and incorporates traditional crafts in modern formats.
At Kamloops Art Party, where Dale has been an instructor for a few months, he finds immense joy in teaching workshops that break down creative processes to their basics, making art accessible to creators of all skill levels. His favorite project so far has been the collaborative mural, which garnered incredible community support.
Dale is inspired daily by his colleagues at Kamloops Art Party, particularly Carly Schmidt, and also by his past mentors, Steve McPherson and Ben Kidger, who taught him the essentials of art and exhibition. He loves being part of the Kamloops art community, a place where artists are empowered to succeed and where the community’s spirit is felt deeply in every project.
In his workshops, Dale hopes participants leave with a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of creative inspiration. He wants everyone to feel that their work is valued and that they have the potential to create something beautiful.
Dale has exhibited his work in England at pop-up galleries and is excited for an upcoming live art event on November 16th. In addition to art, he enjoys spending time in nature, nurturing his passion for growth and the outdoors.
You can follow Dale’s work on Instagram: @daledwyer95, with a website coming soon. His advice for aspiring artists? “Trust the process! I hate all of my paintings until the last 3 brush strokes.”
Cecilia Arribas
Instructor / Artist
Cecilia Arribas is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply inspired by nature. Her art reflects the raw beauty of the world around us, often featuring earthy tones, vibrant greens, and rich textures that bring flora and fauna to life. Whether through pottery, woodburning, sculpture, digital illustration, or acrylic painting, Cecilia embraces a wide range of mediums to express different facets of her creativity.
Art has been a constant in Cecilia’s life since childhood. Growing up, she always felt drawn to the process of creating, but it wasn’t until she took a pottery lesson at Kamloops Art Party that she realized art was more than just a hobby—it was her path. The community and creative energy at KAP felt like home, and she has been part of the team ever since.
Now an instructor and workshop leader, Cecilia finds joy in sharing her passion with others. Her approach to teaching is all about creating a safe and judgment-free space where people can experiment and explore without limits. She believes that art should be fun and liberating, and she encourages participants to embrace the creative process rather than focus on the final product.
Nature remains a central theme in Cecilia’s work, with an emphasis on organic textures, natural patterns, and the balance found in the environment. She has a particular fascination with deer, especially bucks, which she sees as majestic, almost mystical figures—kings of the forest.
Beyond art, Cecilia is a dedicated martial artist with over seven years of training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She also enjoys nature hikes, photography, and yoga, all of which fuel her creativity. She is constantly seeking new ways to evolve as an artist, pushing boundaries and exploring new materials.
Her work is available for purchase through the Kamloops Art Party website and in the studio’s physical store, with most pieces available by order. Cecilia is excited to continue growing, collaborating, and sharing her passion with the Kamloops art community and beyond. Her advice for aspiring artists? “Don’t overthink it. Just create. Experiment. Follow your instincts and enjoy the ride.”
