Jacy Pruden’s creativity shines as brightly as her determination.
A talented young Métis artist and baker, she has turned her passions into powerful forms of expression that celebrate identity, resilience and connection.
“From a young age, she displayed a vivid imagination and a natural drive to create,” says her nominator and father, Adrian Pruden. “For her, art is more than a passion — it’s a space where she feels whole, a way to weave together her imagination, her culture and her voice.”
Twenty-year-old Jacy’s creativity is both healing and empowering.
“Art gives me a way to express emotion, resilience and identity, especially when words don’t feel like enough,” she says.
Jacy’s paintings often weave together elements of her Métis heritage, emotion and storytelling, creating work that feels deeply alive and meaningful.
Jacy’s artistic promise was recently recognized when she was selected to contribute to the Indigenous Digital Art Project celebrating the opening of Airdrie’s new Inspire Multi-Use Facility and Public Library.
Beyond visual art, her gluten-free baking venture, Baked by Jace, blends creativity and care; another way she builds connection through her craft.
“I want to help create more spaces where young and Indigenous artists feel seen, supported and celebrated,” Jacy says.
With her vision, spunk and courage, Jacy stands as a powerful role model for Airdrie’s next generation of creators.
The AAWAs are celebrating their Sweet 16 in 2026. What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
I’d tell her that she doesn’t need to have everything figured out, that her sensitivity is her strength, and that every challenge she faces will one day shape her into the artist and person she’s becoming. I’d remind her that the sky is the limit, to trust her instincts, stay true to her creativity and never forget how powerful her voice really is.