Melissa Burgher
Multidisciplinary Visual Artist | Public Art | Community Engagement
About Melissa
Melissa Burgher is an award-winning multidisciplinary visual artist, educator, and community arts organizer based in British Columbia. Working across painting, textiles, fibre arts, ecological materials, installation, and digital media, she explores the connections between people, nature, mental health, and the environments we inhabit.
Her practice brings together personal storytelling, material exploration, and community participation. She collaborates with municipalities, schools, developers, community organizations, and artists to create public art, murals, installations, and accessible arts programming.
Melissa is passionate about making art welcoming to people of all abilities and backgrounds. Through collaborative projects and community-based learning, she works to build connections, encourage creative expression, and bring greater awareness to the arts, mental health, and environmental stewardship.
Selected Projects
Public Art & Community Projects
The Nest — Art Outside Festival | Port Moody, BC | 2026
A sculptural exploration of nature, shelter, and community, created using foraged natural fibres. The project invites reflection on the relationship between people and the natural environment.
All in a Dream — Community Mural | Coquitlam, BC | 2025
Designed and managed a 4,300-square-foot mural project for the City of Coquitlam, coordinating artists and community participants to transform a large public space through collaborative artmaking.
Stronger Together — École Irvine Elementary | 2024
Led a school-wide fibre and ecological art project exploring connection and collaboration. Students contributed to an eight-foot hanging tapestry made with biodegradable materials.
Métis Family Legacy Project | Surrey, BC | 2025
Collaborated with Métis families through textile-based artmaking to explore family histories, cultural identity, and intergenerational storytelling.
Coming Home — Community Mural | Port Moody, BC | 2023
Created a 2,300-square-foot asphalt mural for PCI Developments, using public art to transform a shared space and encourage community connection.
Forsyth Elementary — Community Labyrinth | Surrey, BC | 2023
Delivered a six-week arts program culminating in an outdoor walking labyrinth, bringing together creativity, reflection, and community participation.
Community Labyrinth & Medicinal Plant Walk | Port Coquitlam, BC | 2023
Developed a community initiative combining art, local plant knowledge, and environmental learning.
Behind the Scenes — Community Documentary | Port Coquitlam, BC | 2021–2022
Produced a documentary project highlighting the people and creative work behind the local arts community.
Mackie Lake House Artist Residency | Vernon, BC | 2022
Created and delivered 23 original oil paintings during a three-week artist residency.
Community Arts & Leadership
Melissa believes art can bring people together, build confidence, and create opportunities for meaningful exchange. Alongside her studio practice, she develops and delivers workshops, public events, artist-led programs, and collaborative projects.
Her community arts work includes:
Free Creative Drop-In, Port Coquitlam (2023–2026): Co-developed and delivered accessible arts programming, connecting community members with professional artists and hands-on creative experiences.
PoCo Arts Fest and community events: Contributed to public art activities, artist showcases, youth engagement, and community celebrations.
Competitive Paint-Offs, Surrey (2018–2022): Developed and delivered five live painting competitions in partnership with the Surrey Art Gallery.
SAGA Art Rental Program (2018–2021): Helped develop and lead an art rental program supporting artists and expanding public access to original artwork.
Youth Arts Engagement: Supported hands-on creative activities, including a youth spray-painting project with artist SOAK in Port Coquitlam.
Below: PCI Community Mural, design and community engagement/management by Melissa.
Curation & Public Art Coordination
Melissa has experience coordinating public art and exhibition projects, working with artists, organizations, and project stakeholders from planning through installation.
Her work has included artist sourcing, project development, exhibition selection, commissioning, artwork preparation, installation coordination, and documentation. She has also helped establish inclusive exhibition criteria and supported projects involving Indigenous artists and cultural protocols.
Selected projects include:
Urban Screen project, Astria Properties, Port Coquitlam — artist sourcing and project coordination.
Indigenous mural and commissioned artwork coordination, including work by Xwalacktun.
Terry Fox sculpture selection jury, City of Port Coquitlam (2024).
Exhibition Selection Committee, City of Port Coquitlam (2021–2022).
Development of exhibition criteria for the SAGA Art Rental Program (2021).
Exhibitions
Melissa has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions, galleries, juried shows, and public art events throughout British Columbia.
Selected Exhibitions
AIRE — Federation of Canadian Artists, 2026.
New West Culture Crawl — 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
The Invisible String — Solo exhibition, Vernon Public Art Gallery, 2022.
Close to Home — Solo exhibition, 100 Braid Street Gallery, Port Coquitlam, 2021.
Social Distancing — Federation of Canadian Artists, online juried exhibition, 2020.
Dream Within a Dream — Online solo exhibition, 2020.
When the Smoke Clears — Online group exhibition, 2020.
Into the Light — Online solo exhibition exploring mental health, 2020.
The Land We Occupy — Beecher Gallery, Crescent Beach, 2019.
World Rivers Day — Fraser River Discovery Centre, New Westminster, 2019.
Her solo exhibition Close to Home explored the relationship between nature, outdoor experiences, and mental well-being.
Below: Melissa receiving first place at The Federation of Canadian Artists AIRE Exhibition.
Awards & Recognition
First Place — Federation of Canadian Artists Annual International Representational Exhibition, 2026
Recognized for excellence in representational art.
Community Champion Award, 2025
Presented by Member of Parliament Ron McKinnon in recognition of creative projects benefiting communities throughout the Tri-Cities.
Third Place — Port Coquitlam May Day Parade, 2026
Recognized for a mobile art gallery presented on a converted Japanese fire truck.
Publications & Media
Melissa's work and community arts initiatives have been featured in publications and artist talks, including:
Forbes Magazine (2025) — Painting of grizzly bear 399.
Tri-City News (2021) — “Artist Heals with Port Coquitlam Nature.”
Surrey Now-Leader (2021) — “SAGA Art Rental Program Gets Overhauled.”
North Delta Reporter (2020) — “Competitive Paint Off in Surrey to Bring Together Artists and Art Fans.”
Melissa has also participated in online artist talks and public programming with Magic Realm Creations, Knox United Church, and the Surrey Art Gallery Association.
Community Involvement
Melissa serves as Vice-President of the PoCo Arts Council, contributing to events, artist relations, community engagement, and local arts initiatives. Previously, she worked with the Surrey Art Gallery Association as an event planner and communications coordinator.
Her work reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting artists, expanding access to creative opportunities, and strengthening the cultural life of the communities she serves.
Above: Melissa interviewing artist Elvira Monteforte for her video series, Behind the Scenes.
Get in Touch
For inquiries about original artwork, commissions, public art, exhibitions, workshops, and community collaborations, please get in touch, see contact form below.
Website: www.melissaburgherfineart.com
Instagram: @melissa_fine_art | @wovenfibre
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC | 2017
Fine Arts Diploma
Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC | 2007
Her background in psychology informs her interest in mental health, resilience, identity, and the role creativity can play in human connection and well-being.
Begin Your Collecting Journey
Complete the inquiry form below; Melissa will respond promptly to discuss bespoke options tailored to your vision.