Shayla Bond Akin Member — Akin Dupont member Shayla Bond (@byshaylabond)

We’re excited to announce that Akin Dupont member Shayla Bond has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Salmon River Studios Community Impact Residency (Akin Founding Artist Special). This special residency, taking place in the summer of 2026, offers dedicated time and space for an Akin member to devote time to artistic research and creation in a rural studio setting at Salmon River Studios in the countryside of Tamworth, Ontario.

Shayla’s proposed residency project explores natural dyeing, memory, grief, and place through textile-based research. During the residency, she will work with responsibly sourced plant materials from the surrounding landscape to create a journal of colour, process, and observation rooted in the environment itself. Shayla will also facilitate a guided “colour walk”, open to the Tamworth community, introducing natural dye materials, exploring the relationship between landscape and textile.

Congratulations Shayla, and we’re thrilled to see this opportunity support the continued development of her practice!

Salmon River Akin image of Farm house in the summer

About Salmon River Studios

Located in Tamworth, Ontario, Salmon River Studios is a new rural arts residency and eco-art initiative centered around creative research, environmental connection, and community engagement. The site includes a 2000+ sqft heritage barn studio, glamping accommodations, trails, river access, and shared gathering spaces designed to support focused artistic work in a restorative natural setting.

We’re grateful to be partnering with Salmon River Studios during their inaugural season to help create residency opportunities for artists within the Akin community.

Salmon River Akin art studios image of inside large tent with bed and chair

Exclusive Seasonal Studio Residency Opportunity for the Akin community

In addition to the Community Impact Residency, Salmon River Studios is also offering the Akin community (you!) exclusive early access to book Seasonal Studio Residencies for Summer and Fall 2026. This includes 30% off residency bookings, and exclusive access to reserve residency dates before bookings open to the general public.

These residencies are designed for artists seeking dedicated studio time in a quiet rural environment and are available for independent creative retreats, research periods, collaborative projects, and family-inclusive stays. We encourage artists interested in focused time away for their practice to explore the opportunity.

The full residency call and booking details are included here: www.salmonriverstudios.com/akin-artist-residency

Click here to apply now