Helen O’Connor

Helen O’Connor is a Whitehorse-based interdisciplinary artist working in hand papermaking, book arts, sculpture and installation. Her practice explores transformation, memory, and land-based materials, often combining traditional techniques with contemporary forms.

She is founder of Stovepipe Paper Studio and Mushroom Books and has exhibited widely across Canada and internationally. Her work is held in the Yukon Permanent collection and has been featured in biennales, touring exhibitions and in upcoming publications including North of Ordinary and Hand Papermaking Magazine. In 2025, she was longlisted for the Yukon Prize for Visual Arts.

A passionate mentor and community collaborator, O’Connor frequently leads workshops, talks, and cross-cultural projects. Her practice reflects a deep commitment to knowledge-sharing, interdisciplinary exploration, and creative sustainability in northern and global contexts.

Website: www.helenoconnor.com

FB: Stovepipe Paper Artist Studio

IG: helen_m_oconnor

From Plant to Paper

In this one hour workshop, paper artist Helen O’Connor will take you on an experiential journey to learn the process of papermaking from plant to paper. She will describe and demonstrate the many stages of the process including harvest, cooking, beating, pulling, couching, pressing and drying. Then using a variety of handmade papers, participants will have the opportunity to create a unique collage art card.