This marks my first-ever artist residency at the Fairmont Empress Victoria with Mountain Galleries. Built in the early 1900s, the Fairmont Empress is an iconic landmark steeped in history.
The story of the Empress began when the Canadian Pacific Railway envisioned a series of grand château-style hotels across Canada, designed to accommodate their affluent steamship and rail travelers. The Empress Hotel was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981 and officially became a Fairmont property in 1999.
Following an extensive 12-year restoration, the Fairmont Empress has been thoughtfully updated while preserving its historic character, reaffirming its place as a premier destination for visitors from around the world.
I can’t think of a more festive way to celebrate the Christmas holidays than painting live in the upper lobby of the Fairmont Empress and chatting with the welcoming team at Mountain Galleries.
