Meet your artists and workshop hosts

Shelby Ferguson is a professional photographer with 8 years of experience, specializing in weddings and lifestyle portraits. After building a successful career behind the lens, Shelby transitioned into coaching, where she now teaches aspiring photographers the ins and outs of the craft. With a deep passion for both photography and education, she helps students master the technical skills and creative techniques needed to thrive in the industry. Through personalized coaching, Shelby empowers her students to develop their unique style and elevate their photography careers.

Rylee Spada is a visual artist from Calgary, Canada.
Through her art, she provides escape, wonder, connection, and comfort. These are the things she feels while creating, and what she wants you to experience when you join this retreat.
She has had the opportunity to work with many local establishments, such as  partnering with the Westin hotel, mural work for UNA, along with ColdGarden, Five point and more. She has also had the honour of bringing numerous others ideas and meaningful moments to life through commission work.
With her pervious experience instructing paint nights, and providing live art at weddings, she would love to take you through a painting journey. Starting with some basic techniques, and ending with a beautiful creation for you to take home! 

Kristy is a Calgary-based photographer, specializing in both Lifestyle and Commercial imagery. Her journey in photography is deeply rooted in her small-town upbringing in Montana, which shaped her appreciation for the heart of small businesses. 

As a mother of three, she also understands the importance of capturing families in their most authentic form. It’s not just about a photo; it’s about creating a space where each family can be themselves, where their personalities can shine, and where memories are made. Her approach is all about connection, allowing families to interact in their unique way.

With a documentary-style approach, She aims to create images that not only capture a moment but stand the test of time. It’s about storytelling, emotion, and authenticity.

Diana Tohar from Calgary, Alberta, Canada is the artist behind Oridea Creates. Her journey into art began after her 17-month-old son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Amidst the weight of his diagnosis, heart-wrenching treatments, and subsequent relapse, she was overcome with grief and pain. She needed an outlet to sustain her mental and emotional health.

In those darkest moments, art became her salvation. It provided a vital escape, a pathway to healing, and a means of self-care. Through creativity, she found a way to shift her focus to a place of calm and peace. Her work reflects that journey, filled with whimsy and vibrant colors, each piece symbolizing the healing process.

She primarily create mixed media artwork, blending illustration with paper or collage to evoke themes of coziness, comfort, and gentleness. She hopes her creations bring a splash of color, whimsy, and joy to your day, just as they do for her.

Laurel Berube of Crystal Moon Healing in Calgary is a Certified Transpersonal Crystal Healing Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner, and Astrologer. As a mother of three, Laurel understands the challenges of modern life. Combining her personal journey with her extensive training in crystal healing, Reiki, and astrology, she offers a unique blend of modalities to help you release stress, find your center, and step into a more fulfilling life. This retreat provides the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and discover inner peace through guided practices and powerful healing. 

Sharon Carne is a best-selling author, international speaker, musician, recording artist, master sound healer, mother, grandmother and evolving elder. She founded Sound Wellness in 2008 after participating as a facilitator in a study on stress through the Integrative Health Institute at Mount Royal University. In 2017 the Sound Wellness Institute was born. Sharon has developed nationally recognized professional training for holistic practitioners who receive the highest level of professional training in Canada in using sound healing to support their practice. The Emergent Workforce programs have been developed to support wellbeing in the workplace.