06/08/2026
Artist Spotlight: Miriam Delos Santos ()
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Scrappy Joy
Textiles, monofilament, aluminium wire, pompoms, cotton stuffing
2026
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Artist Statement:
Creativity has been a constant anchor in my life. Growing up in Canada as a child of first generation immigrants from the Philippines, we did not have the means for me to explore art and creativity. Nothing mirrored what my potential could be outside survival and assimilation. Play became a recurring outlet for me to overcome obstacles and challenges. Imagination became a vehicle to align myself with what I was meant to do, using my instincts and pleasure as a guide.
Scrappy Joy is made from many remnant pieces saved from past projects. When limited in means, the question becomes “what can I do with what I already have?” Through Ego death, motherhood, leaving my career, and sticking out on my own, discards became the building blocks to create something new and transformational. Through the work of dismantling, reassembling, and reusing pieces of myself, I’ve learned to interact with my inner child and remember that possibilities always exist; there are many second chances. One can create a new reality.
Traditionally, all over the world, people in their indigenous cultures used what was in their immediate environment for survival, shelter, decoration, and belonging. Exploring these themes - what is waste, what is material, what can I do with what I already have - this work continues to unfold to find freedom in JOY and the resilient child within us all.
Thank you to Marshall Fabrics () for their sponsorship providing me with all the new fabrics used in this project. Thank you to Nika Gnydyuk and Christel Joy, student interns with MC College Fashion Program (), for their assistance on this project.
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Serious Play
Curated by Katrina Craig ()
May 1 - June 25, 2026
C2 Centre for Craft — 329 Cumberland Ave., WPG, MB
Wed - Sat, 12 - 4 PM
