Kingston Artist Portia Po Chapman – Visual Storytelling Murals, Installations, Drums & Illustrations
Kingston artist Portia “Po” Chapman (BFAH, B.Ed, ACE, OCT) is a professional contemporary artist reclaiming her Indigenous ancestry through vibrant, nature-rooted artworks that tell visual stories. A recipient of the Queen’s University Medal in Visual Art, Po transforms personal, public, corporate, and municipal spaces through large-scale public art installations, custom murals, multidisciplinary illustrations, painted rawhide art, and artisanal frame drums. As an Artist in Community Education Specialist, Po is a sought-after speaker, presenter, and workshop leader offering positive, success oriented in-person workshops, online tutorials, and educational videography—making her a preferred partner for municipal and corporate projects that require both high-level artistry and deep public resonance through placemaking, heritage, and community engagement. Defined by her signature colour-blocking style, and delivering every project with exceptionally high fidelity from initial concept to completed installation, Po’s bright and crisp artworks foster wellbeing and intercultural connection by inspiring the sharing of fond memories and the telling of life’s stories, producing artworks most commonly described as: “BEAUTIFUL.”
Core Offerings for Municipal, Corporate & Private Clients
As a dedicated partner to municipalities, organizations, and private collectors, Po approaches every commission with deep respect, ensuring her work perfectly aligns with the client’s themes and direction. She brings a rare level of institutional professional standards to every project, delivering high-level artistry combined with logistically sound execution.
- Interactive Immersive Installations: Transformative spatial designs crafted specifically for exhibition galleries and community placemaking.
- Custom Murals & Public Art: Large-scale exterior public artworks and intimate interior murals tailored for commercial venues, institutional spaces, and private residences.
- Painted Rawhide Art & Bespoke Drums: Personal commissions and gallery pieces featuring show-quality painted rawhide canvases stretched over hand-bent hardwood frames.
- Professional Illustrations: Digital and physical media bridging vibrant storytelling with institutional publishing.
- Educational Leadership: Specialized adult workshops and community art talks blending technical skill with creative expression.
“Building a Bright Future” – Base31 Picton, ON
Selected Public Art Commissions & Professional Engagements
2026 | Interactive Life-Sized Rawhide Art Installation: Pocket Gallery, TETT Centre for Creativity and Learning, Kingston, Ontario
2025 | Municipal Land Acknowledgement Imagery: Public Installation Project, Township of King, Ontario
2025 | Large-Scale Mural Commission: 14′ x 6′ Seamless Mural, Strong Enterprises, Belleville, Ontario
2025 | Featured Image “Nature’s Helping Hands”: Creative City Impact Awards,
Kingston, Ontario
2025 | Shortlisted Professional Artist: City of Kingston Mural Competition,
Robert Bruce Memorial Parking Garage, Kingston, Ontario
2024 | Published Cover Art & Illustration: Ways of Being in the World: an Introduction to Indigenous Philosophies of Turtle Island, Andrea Sullivan-Clarke, Broadview Press, Peterborough, Ontario
2023 | Solo Exhibition: “Drumming Sounds of Colour,” John M. Parrott Art Gallery, Belleville, Ontario
2022–2023 | Permanent Mural Installations: Series of three murals for BASE31, Picton, Ontario
Community Workshops & Arts Leadership
As an Artist in Community Education Specialist (ACE, BEd, OCT), Po leverages her pedagogical expertise to lead complex, inclusive community art initiatives. Her success oriented and uplifting workshops are designed to be as educationally sound as they are artistically inspiring.
- Hand Drum Making: A tactile exploration of traditional and innovative frame drum construction.
- Needle Felting Brooches: A fiber-arts exploration of form and texture.
- Scratchboard Art: A detailed, technique-driven session for high-contrast imagery.
- Institutional Arts Advocacy: Public engagement initiatives and professional art talks for galleries, institutional spaces, and regional community groups.
Mission Statement
“My mission is to transform public and private spaces through uplifting, storytelling art that serves as a catalyst for resilience, belonging, and beauty. I create immersive works that stand for something deeper: the power of the communal and personal spirit to triumph over adversity. By bridging the gap between nature-rooted tradition and modern installation, I strive to create landmark experiences that inspire reflection, celebrate our shared history, and remind us that moving forward together is a beautiful journey.
My philosophy is simple: Art should not only capture the eye but positively encourage the human spirit—because a community that smiles together, thrives together.”
While on Nature Walk – Little Cataraqui Creek, Kingston
“LIFE JUST FEELS BETTER
WHEN WE SMILE!”
Portia “Po” Chapman, Kingston Artist
Serving Kingston, Ontario & Across Canada
Contact Po Using Form Below
Contact Email Confirmation
Contact Po
Email: Portia@LoveArtByPo.ca
Phone:
613-243-2841
Instagram:
Love Art by Po
Facebook:
Love Art by Po Profile
Location
Private Art Studio:
Auden Park Kingston, ON
Google Business Profile:
Professional Listing
Love Art by Po
Storytelling Art & Art Services
Portia “Po” Chapman / Kingston, ON
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