Caribbean Roots, Calgary Canvas: The Art of Adrianne Williams

Name: Adrianne Williams

Location: Calgary, AB

Talent Name: Adrianne “That Thing” Williams

Website: www.adriannewilliams.com 

Category: Visual Artist

💬 Introduction

Born and raised in Calgary, Adrianne Williams draws deeply from her Caribbean roots. Creativity has always been her language, expressed through music, painting, and dance — art forms that feel naturally connected in her life. Influences like dancehall, reggae, hip hop, and R&B pulse through her work, shaping both her artistic style and her energy as a creator.

🔥 The Passion

People are Adrianne’s greatest inspiration — she is endlessly fascinated by the human condition. Faces, especially, captivate her: young or old, each one tells a story, and her art captures the depth and emotion behind every expression. A driving force in her work is the representation of Black people. Through her paintings, Adrianne seeks to reflect, celebrate, and honor Black beauty and complexity — ensuring it is seen, valued, and remembered in all its richness.

When things get tough, Adrianne finds her strength in her daughters. They are her greatest motivation, inspiring her to keep moving forward no matter the challenge.

She wants them to grow up with a mother they can be proud of — one who shows them firsthand the power of perseverance, the beauty of creativity, and the importance of always following your passion.

🍁 Community & Canadian Pride

As a first-generation Canadian, Adrianne takes great pride in staying rooted in her Caribbean heritage. Growing up in Canada never distanced her from her culture — instead, it strengthened her connection to it.

From sharing Caribbean food with friends, to dancehall parties, to celebrating Carnival at events like Carifest, she keeps those traditions alive and vibrant. For Adrianne, being a Canadian creative means blending both worlds: building a life here while ensuring her children experience and embrace the richness of their Caribbean heritage on Canadian soil.

🌟 Standout Achievement

One of Adrianne’s proudest achievements has been her collaboration with the United African Diaspora, where she illustrated two Colouring books titled Heroes of the African Revolution.

The impact of this work reached far beyond what she imagined: students at the Malcolm X Academy for African Education in the U.S. sent heartfelt thank-you videos, and footage arrived from classrooms in West Africa showing the books being used as educational tools. For Adrianne, it was a deeply moving moment — realizing that her art had traveled across the globe, inspiring and teaching children about history, culture, and pride. Seeing that purpose fulfilled remains one of the most meaningful milestones in her journey.

🤝 Dream Collaboration

Looking ahead, Adrianne hopes to collaborate with Wakefield Brewster, one of Calgary’s most respected poets and spoken word artists. The vision? A mash-up of poetry, spoken word, and visual art — an immersive experienc`e that blends their creative strengths into something powerful and unforgettable. The two have discussed the idea before, and Adrianne is hopeful that one day they’ll bring it to life together.

🎨 Creative Journey

Hailey: What’s the story behind your creative journey — where did it all begin for you?

Adrianne: I’ve always loved to draw and sketch — art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. In high school, I had the chance to paint on a giant canvas during art class, and that experience completely hooked me. After graduating, I took a year to focus on upgrading and building my portfolio, which led me to apply to the Alberta University of the Arts. I’ve never stopped painting since.

Hailey: What were some of the biggest moments or challenges that shaped your path so far?

Adrianne: Some of my proudest moments as an artist have come from the murals I’ve painted. For a long time, creating a mural felt like a distant goal — I kept applying, and it often felt like the door just wouldn’t open. But eventually, I landed my first mural project, and from there, more opportunities began to follow. That experience taught me an important lesson: sometimes you can’t just wait for opportunities — you have to create your own.

Hailey: How has your journey evolved from where you started to where you are now?

Adrianne: Like anything you dedicate time to, the more you practice, the better you become. I remember when I used to spend months on a single painting — now, I can complete one in just a couple of weeks. Over time, I’ve learned how to focus more deeply, tune out distractions, and really hone in on the creative process. It’s become more refined, more intentional, and more efficient.

🚀 What’s Next

Adrianne is stepping into an exciting new chapter. She’s currently working on a mural for the Centre for Newcomers, a project that reflects her commitment to community and storytelling through art. This month, she’ll begin an Art for Social Change residency with Mount Royal University, further expanding her impact as a socially conscious creative. Looking further ahead, Adrianne is preparing new work for a solo exhibition in 2026 — a milestone that promises to showcase her evolution and vision as an artist.