About me
Holly McWilliams is a Canadian artist, educator, and founder of Indigo Arts based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 25 years of experience in both professional art practice and visual arts education, Holly is known for her bold, expressive paintings that combine vibrant colour, intuitive brushwork, and dynamic mark-making.
Her artistic practice deeply informs her teaching philosophy. Through years of creating, experimenting, and problem-solving in her own studio work, Holly has developed a teaching approach that blends technical knowledge with creativity, confidence-building, and self-expression. She is passionate about helping others discover their unique visual voice while making art feel approachable, engaging, and deeply human.
Holly has taught artists of all ages and experience levels through workshops, retreats, community programming, and post-secondary education initiatives. Her educational work through Indigo Arts focuses on creating meaningful, inspiring learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creative risk-taking, and personal growth.
Alongside her educational practice, Holly’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries throughout Western Canada. Her contemporary paintings are recognized for their emotional energy, rich colour palettes, and expressive movement, often exploring themes of memory, landscape, atmosphere, and human connection.
Through both her art and teaching, Holly is dedicated to fostering creativity as an essential part of personal expression, learning, and community.
