For the member of the month – June 2026, we interviewed KAC gallery coordinator & artist Paula Ducharme.

Full Name: Paula Ducharme

Medium: beadwork, digital illustration, mixed media sculpture

How long have you been practicing your art:
Since I was very little, my grandma is an artist, she gave me some of my very first art lessons.

What got you originally interested in the art you do:
My family has always been very artistic, I learned a lot from my grandma, my mum, and my dad. I had a lot of support to continue growing and learning. I’ve always found it fun, but when I was around 16, I started taking it a bit more seriously, thinking about the impact art can have on people, as a way of speaking rather than just being good or pretty.

What is something you have learned about yourself through your art:
I find it’s sometimes a better outlet for me than writing or speaking. If I am feeling strongly about something then it bleeds into my artistic practice.

What do you enjoy the most about your art:
The time spent doing it. I think once you get into the flow of it, it feels meditative. And at the end, I get something I’m proud of. Its one of those things that I can find very easy to focus on, which is nice, haha.

What is your favorite joke/quote:
“Things are always happening to me. I’m that sort of bear.” – Paddington Bear.

What is something most people don’t know about you:
I really like horses-not cowboys or western-themed things, just the animals. I think they are just fantastic. I hope to meet one.

If you could teach everyone one art medium or method, what would it be, why:
Sculpture! Get your hands in the squishy mud and just play around with it and see what you come up with. Get some wood and nails and throw some odd shapes together. I love seeing what people come up with. It’s a very freeing exercise, let your creative muscles stretch!

What do you think makes art important:
It’s the thing that makes people, people. It’s a very human thing, I think. I like that art, art with intention, made with feeling, or even just to say “I was here” has always been that thing that makes us – us. I have never felt more human than when I am making art.

Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council:
I think the KAC is a great place for beginner artists in the professional artworld, they have a ton of opportunities to learn and grow as an artist, or connect with more experienced artists. I like the community around it.

What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year:
I am planning on continuing my art education, and in the meantime, making new art and learning a few different methods.

Are you on social media or have a website:
@minnumato on instagram (website coming soon!)