Rachel Curtis’ artwork transports you to a cute, whimsical, and cozy world. Using watercolour and pencil crayons, every detail she adds brings life into the characters that she illustrates. 

As the Library’s 2026 Children’s Illustrator in Residence, Rachel will help community members of all ages create their own stories with art. 

“I want to encourage people to make art and be creative because I think that's such an important facet of life. It just makes your life more full and more fun.”  

Character Building  

Throughout her career as an artist, Rachel has learned to celebrate the progress she has made rather than focusing on finding perfection. While she has always been a creative person, it took a lot of practice to find her own style. 

After attending Alberta University of the Arts, Rachel gravitated towards children's illustrations. 

“I love drawing animals and that tends to lean more towards children's art. I like the anthropomorphized animals that Disney did for years.” 

Rachel has created drawings for animation, video games, and murals, and has designed colouring books, including some for the Smithsonian Institution. Now, she is focusing on becoming an illustrator for children’s books. Rachel is creating new characters including a young boy that’s inspired by her brother and a crime fighting capybara named Francisco. 

Connecting with Community at the Library 

Before starting her Residency, Rachel has her own fond memories of Calgary Public Library. Growing up, she regularly went to Judith Umbach Library, formerly known as Thornhill Library. 

“My parents would take us to the Library and we could pick out any books from the shelves and bins that we wanted to take home and have read to us. Looking back, I think that's a wonderful thing to have available to everyone.” 

As the Children’s Illustrator in Residence, the connection back to early literacy is important to Rachel. She will also help nurture creativity in a welcoming setting. 

“I’m excited to work with kids and their parents to show everyone that it isn't about being the best at drawing. Improvement comes with a lot of practice.” 

Her workshops include getting people of all ages started with creating the first version of a story. Up and coming illustrators will have the opportunity to learn about the artistic process of creating a story from start to finish. 

Visit our website to see Rachel during her office hours or attend one of her programs. 

Residencies at the Library   

There are seven residencies at Calgary Public Library throughout the year. Our three seasonal Artists in Residence support artists, collectives, and arts organizations working in Indigenous art and placemaking, children's art and illustration, or the newcomer experience.