For the member of the month – August 2026, we interviewed Carly Schmidt, an artist and the owner of Kamloops Art Party.

Full Name: Carly Schmidt

Medium: Murals, Painting, Pottery, Public Art, Mixed Media, Community Arts

How long have you been practicing your art:
My mom would say since I was one! (It was diaper rash cream smothered all over my room, which she lovingly calls my “first painting.”) From a young age I was obsessed with all things creative; colouring, painting, sculpting with Play-Doh, anything I could get my hands on. I began my professional journey in high school when I started selling paintings and commissioned portraits, and I’ve been creating ever since. Today that passion has grown into founding Kamloops Art Party and co-founding Alyssa Moon Ceramics, where I get to help thousands of others discover their own creativity.

What got you originally interested in the art you do:
My art has always evolved because I simply love to learn. More than any particular medium, it is the act of creating that has always captivated me. There is something so soothing, engaging, and exciting about taking simple materials and transforming them into something that evokes emotion or tells a story. Every new medium opens another door, and that’s what has kept me creating for my entire life.

What is something you have learned about yourself through your art:
How to fail! Art has taught me that mistakes are rarely the end of the story. Sometimes you fix them, sometimes you embrace them, and sometimes you start over with something even better. That lesson has shaped not only my artwork, but also my businesses and my personal life. It has taught me to stay flexible, solve problems creatively, and believe that you can make something meaningful out of almost anything.  

What do you enjoy the most about your art:
Art gives me permission to quiet the overthinking and simply be present. It allows me to step away from the stresses of everyday life and into a place of curiosity and joy. As someone who loves learning, there is no ceiling to what you can explore. Whether I’m painting a mural, throwing pottery, experimenting with a new medium, or helping someone create their very first piece at Kamloops Art Party, there is always something new to discover.

What is your favourite joke or quote?
It may be cliché, but Bob Ross said it best: “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”  That philosophy has inspired me to keep creating without fear of imperfection, both in art and in life.

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was an athlete! Most people know me as an artist, but I competed in Synchronized Swimming (now Artistic Swimming) for years with the Kamloops Sunrays, earning a silver medal at the Canadian Championships while in high school. I also coached the sport for over a decade. One more fun fact: before becoming a full-time artist, I drove a giant rock truck on a road-building crew with tires taller than me!

If you could teach everyone one art medium or method, what would it be, why:
Drawing. It is such a strong foundation for so many other artistic skills. More importantly though, I would encourage people to explore whichever medium genuinely excites them. Passion is what keeps people creating, and there has never been a better time to try something new.

What do you think makes art important:
I believe art is essential for mental health, connection, and living a full life. Humans need food, water, shelter, oxygen… and art. Whether it’s music, dance, visual arts, theatre, storytelling, or pottery, creativity helps us process emotions, build community, and celebrate who we are. The world would be a much greyer, quieter place without it.

Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council?
The Kamloops Arts Council has always been a champion for local artists and for making the arts accessible within our community. I’m proud to support an organization that advocates for artists, creates opportunities for connection and collaboration, and helps showcase the incredible creative talent we have in Kamloops. Building a stronger arts community benefits all of us from art exposed, small works to the Children’s arts festival and everything in between.

What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year:
I’m excited for another year of creating murals, developing new workshops, expanding Alyssa Moon Ceramics, and continuing to grow Kamloops Art Party. More than anything, I’m looking forward to inspiring even more people to discover that they are creative whether they’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after many years away.

Are you on social media or have a website:
Website: https://www.kamloopsartparty.com

@kamloopsartparty (insta/tiktok)
@schmidtfacedartistry (insta)
Facebook: Kamloops Art Party
Instagram: @kamloopsartparty

Is there anything else you would like us to add or feature?
The most rewarding parts of my career has never been the artwork itself, it’s watching creativity change people’s lives. From children discovering they love art, someone finding healing through creating, to adults realizing it’s never too late to start, those moments continue to inspire everything I do. If I can help make art feel welcoming and accessible to everyone, then I feel like I’ve done my job.