About Kwi Am Choi
Kwi Am Choi was a Korean-born artist known for his experimental and abstract work. Born in Chungmu, South Korea, Choi originally started off in civil engineering before moving into Design when his family immigrated to Ontario, Canada in the late 70’s. He graduated from Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) where he experimented across all mediums, from woodblock printing to photography, illustration, ceramics, sculpturing and mixed media painting.
Much of his work can be attributed to his personal love and appreciation of the outdoors. From bold strokes of vibrant and contrasting colours to his incorporation of driftwood collected on family trips to Tofino, many of his pieces were a reflection of his interactions with nature. Whether it was watching translucent spring leaves sway in the breeze against a soft sun, or the crashing waves of the Pacific Northwest against the shores, his experiences to it through each of his senses - sight, touch, smell, taste, sound, and spirit were translated into his work. A man of few words, Choi – a natural introvert, used his art as a platform for communication. He was a loving and supportive father and husband, an active member of the Port Moody Arts community and the Korean Artists Society Canada, and a mentor to young emerging artists.
Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Jenna Weind (She/Her) is a third-year visual arts student currently studying at Emily Carr University. She has several large influences in her life including a Chinese and German heritage, extensive travel from an early age and an upbringing on a small island in BC. This synthesis of culture and ideas is prevalent in her work. Intricate line drawings initially consumed her interest, but more recently, her trajectory has evolved, and she is learning to “draw” with steel.
See her exhibition, Lacuna, in the Ann Kitching Gallery from July 16 to August 30, 2026.
Website: jennaweind.com
Social Media: @baomiiii
Michelle Msami is a Canada-based visual artist born and raised in Botswana. She attends the University of the Fraser Valley working towards a Bachelor of Fine Art with a major in Visual Arts. She has explored and experimented with painting, photography and sculpture, evolving to be a multidisciplinary artist whose main medium of expression is painting.
See her exhibition, Danse Macabre, in the Beedie Living Gallery from July 16 to August 30, 2026.
Website: msami.art
Social Media: @msami.art
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Applicant Criteria
Between 18 and 32 years of age.
Enrolled in Fine Art programs in a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution or within 2 years (24 months) of graduation with a Fine Art degree from a recognized Canadian post secondary institution.
Considered an emerging artist. We define emerging artists as those in the first few years of their professional development and not currently making their entire living from their artwork.
A current resident of British Columbia.
Only artists proposing a solo exhibition are eligible for this award.
For any questions, please email submissions@pomoarts.ca
Previous Scholarship Recipients
