“Syd The Artiste,” Sydonne Warren is a Contemporary Jamaican Canadian Visual Artist who specializes in large-scale expressive paintings and murals. Her artwork often showcases a combination of high contrasted subjects, bold but straightforward colour pallets, and a mixture of expressive strokes, drips and rigid lines. Sydonne is also a digital artist and often utilizes technology in her work. 

Sydonne predominantly creates afro centric portraits but also enjoys exploring abstract works. Her themes reflect her experiences as a Jamaican Canadian immigrant woman and mother. She uses her perspective to share her desire for the African diaspora to occupy, impact and own space. 

Sydonne began her self-taught art journey in 2013 while simultaneously earning a Diploma in Architectural Technologies and Certificates in Graphic Design and 3D modelling. She is currently a third-year Bachelor of Design student at Alberta University of Art and Design. Her artistic influences include Jean-Michelle Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Tiffany Anderson. 

​ Sydonne’s artwork appears in various locations around Calgary. Her latest work is inside The Core Shopping Centre, The Jamaican Canadian Association, Centre Street and Kensington. She looks forward to collaborating with more clients and businesses in the upcoming season. 

In 2020 Sydonne Received the “Artist of the Year” award from Diversity Magazine’s African Caribbean Awards because of her impact on the city as a person of colour. She is also the reigning “Mrs. Calgary” 2020, receiving additional awards for the best interview, best evening gown, best resort wear and people’s choice. 

​ Sydonne’s art is on many media platforms, including Global News, CBC News, and The Calgary Herald. Her Black Lives Matter mural is on Avenue magazine’s list of “Good things that happened in Calgary 2020,” and her story is in The Calgary Journal. Sydonne is also in Airdrie Life Magazine for her achievements in the Mrs. Calgary Pageant. 

Adviti Sharma (she/her) Community Partner and Event Organizer

Anisha Phillips (she/her/hers) Speaker

Bean Gill (she/her)
Keynote Speaker

Christine Selinger (she/her, disabled person) Speaker

Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi (she/her) Keynote Speaker

Inez Ashworth (she/her) Host and Speaker

James Demers (he/him) Speaker

Jay Brewster (he/him) Community Partner and Speaker

Katie Sadovia (she/her) Community Partner and Speaker

Leanne Gawley (she/her) Community Partner and Speaker

Lindsay Grice (she/her) Community Partner and Speaker

Lionel Migrino (he/him) Community Partner and Speaker

Marcie Hawranik (she/her) Keynote Speaker

Meredith MacKay (she/her) Community Partner and Speaker

Michael Bach – Keynote Speaker

Narissa Jessa (she/her) Host and MC

Steph Hansen (she/they) Community Partner and MC

Teisha Iglesias (she/her) Community Partner and Speaker

Terri Crooks (she/her/Iskwew) Community Partner and Speaker

Wakefield Brewster (he/him)
Keynote Speaker

Featuring

Athena Cooper – Artist

Kiran Rai – Artist

Linda Wright – Artist

Scott Clark – Artist

Sydonne Warren (she/her) Artist

Kate Beck (she/her) – Artist