April’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Velvet LeClair to support political art using papier mâché and cardboard.

“One of my talents is making masks or heads of politicians,” explains Velvet, “and I have been known to wear my art to make statements and raise awareness about various issues.”

“The #teslatakedown movement has arrived in Ottawa,” she continues, “and the participants have enjoyed my most recent performance. I dressed up like Donald Trump and danced like him for the crowd. They appreciated the art, the fun, and the subversive style. I am currently finishing up an Elon Musk mask and his child, X.”

“My goal,” says Velvet, “is to make memes for social media to show an Ottawa reaction to all the craziness right now. Our country needs to be uplifted and united, and using art as a way to bridge a connection with the alt-right is needed. We also need to connect with the American people.”

“I’ve already made at least 25 papier mâché masks of politicians. This funding will help me invest in the art supplies and teach other people the skills behind making art out of garbage.”

Velvet describes herself as a middle-aged single mom who runs a home daycare. “I started making political art as a hobby when I was separating from my son’s father,” she says. “It was part of my healing journey and helped me through a difficult time. Over the years my hobby has become a coping mechanism for dealing with this world.”