Shana Wilson is an Edmonton-based painter whose impactful portraits of extraordinary women have earned her international recognition over a career spanning two decades. Her work, which champions inspirational female figures who have driven significant social change, found a new home in from June 2021 to Oct 2024 when she became Sparrow Cowork’s inaugural resident artist at the Westmount 107 location.
Painting Trailblazing Women
Shana’s powerful portfolio includes major commissions, such as the cover art for TIME Magazine’s landmark ‘100 Women of the Year Special Edition,’ featuring iconic figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Jacqueline Kennedy. She has also created stunning images of musical sensation Serena Ryder, prominent breast cancer survivor and activist Golden Drake, and Anita Hill, who courageously stood against the Supreme Court in a sexual harassment case.
“Some of these women are doing really big things, and there’s a sacrifice that comes with that. There’s a reverence for the women that I paint.”
Shana Wilson, artist
Wilson was commissioned by Time Magazine to create portraits of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Jacqueline Kennedy
Culture as the Catalyst for Commerce
Sparrow Capital sees the success and international acclaim of Shana’s work not merely as an adornment but as a vital part of its foundational strategy. Our core belief is simple: Culture precedes commerce. We are dedicated to integrating art and artists into our physical spaces as early as possible. This commitment is intended to infuse humanity into our daily operations, spark spontaneous creativity, and foster meaningful collaboration among all members. By grounding our environment in music and art, we allow the positive forces of community and enterprise to flow naturally from that creative wellspring.
A prime example of this philosophy in action is the activation of the Brighton Block. Before pursuing commercial tenants, Sparrow Capital focused entirely on cultural engagement. Within just two weeks of acquiring the keys, the building hosted a vibrant New Year’s celebration that featured a jazz ensemble, a folk musician, an opera singer, and a large drum circle. This initial event led to a steady stream of artistic programming, culminating in dozens of engagements with musicians and producers, and the establishment of a dedicated event venue on the 4th floor, managed by Brighton Events.
The impact of this cultural focus is self-reinforcing. By initiating the space through art, the Brighton Block attracted a dynamic mix of creatives and entrepreneurs. This deep network of relationships has directly resulted in full commercial leases on multiple floors. Allies and forward-thinking business leaders are drawn to a community that supports both entrepreneurial ambition and profound cultural expression through shared amenities.
Our vision transcends the transactional aspect of co-working—the ‘deals and success.’ We recognize the essential human need for communal expression and celebration, spaces where the strictures of business can be set aside. We reject the notion of work-life balance as a rigid dichotomy; instead, we aim for a healthy, organic fusion. Work is an integral part of life, and life must be an integral part of work.
“The community needs to know how to express itself, to create spaces of celebration where people feel safe and included.”
Antoine Palmer, Sparrow Cowork Co-founder
Today, Sparrow actively supports more than twelve visual artists across its locations. Community members like Glen Ronald have taken the initiative to coordinate other artists, hosting regular events that encourage creative expression through painting and other mediums. Their art is now extending beyond our buildings and enriching the surrounding neighborhoods. Much like the Lucina Midwives, the artists have emerged as a distinct, powerful cohort within the Sparrow network. Sparrow Capital is currently working with this group to understand their specific needs and develop dedicated amenities and resources that will support their artistic and entrepreneurial ventures.