About Joseph Cross

Born in Saskatchewan in 1949, Joseph has lived in Cranbrook since 1974.  His professional career in art started in 1978.  Through his art Joseph conveys perspectives on the way we look at ourselves, our environment, and our lifestyles.   A self-taught artist, Joseph works in oils, pastels, pen and ink.

Commissions: 

  • In 2009 Joseph started collaborating with BC Parks on a series of paintings that would benefit Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park (click here).
  • N.A.I.T. commissioned four portraits of the past Presidents for 2009.
  • In 2006 Joseph created The David Thompson Legacy Art Project, which is a series of paintings commemorating the epic life and times of David Thompson.
  • The Dr. Green Clinic
  • Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc.
  • College of the Rockies
  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
  • Ktunaxa Tribal Council
  • Undaunted by painting large canvasses lead to his being commissioned to produce large murals at the College of the Rockies climbing wall in Cranbrook, B.C., the Cranbrook Railway Centennial project, Steeples Elementary School in Cranbrook, Kenora Heritage Mural Society in Ontario, and the Royal Canadian Legion, Cranbrook. 

Competitions, Exhibitions & Achievements: 

  • June 2021 International Artist Magazine finalist in Challenge No. 124 Landscapes issue #140 Aug/Sept. with “Spring Training for the Fondo”.  The painting was donated to Sunrise Rotary Club of Cranbrook for fundraising for The Foundry (a youth recovery centre.)
  • 2012-2018 sat on the Board of the BC Arts Council 
  • April 2011 International Artist Magazine finalist in Challenge #63 in issue #79 June/July with “Mt. Assiniboine Reflection” done for the BC Park Enhancement fund project.
  • 2010 Jasper Yellowhead Museum at Jasper (June 11-Sept. 26) exhibition of  some of the David Thompson paintings.
  • 2009 Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre exhibition of some of the David Thompson paintings.
  • Trout Unlimited Canada selected Joseph as “Artist of the Year” for 2007.
  • March 2004, the Pastel Society of America elected Joseph a Signature Member.
  • April/May 2005 issue of International Artist Magazine featured an eight-page article on Joseph’s work. 
  • 2005 Winter edition of British Columbia magazine featured one of Joseph’s paintings on David Thompson in an article on the Athabasca Pass. 
  • July 2004 Rising Women magazine showcased “Happy Toes, Happy Mind” on the front cover and dedicated the inside page to his bio and additional images.
  • May 2004 Galleries West magazine profiled Joseph and his work on the cover and inside.
  • October 2003, the Pastel Society of Canada elected Joseph a Signature Member. 
  • 2002 Pastel Artist International Magazine issue #13 featured a seven-page article on his work.
  • April/May 2002 edition of International Artist Magazine featured him as one of four artists in the section titled "Master Painters of the World: Canada Showcase". 
  • 2001 "Treasures At Turquoise Bay" placed 2nd in a Seascape competition for International Artist Magazine. 
  • October 1986 "Ripples" (Tundra Swan) accepted in the juried exhibition and sale of Living Nature '86, sponsored by the Canadian Museum of Natural Sciences. 
  • 1984-85 "Arctic King" (Snowy Owl) was accepted in the juried national exhibition sponsored by the Canada Nature Federation and the National Museum of Natural Sciences, which travelled across Canada during that time.  
  • 1982 "Fireweed" placed First Overall in the East Kootenay Regional Juried Competition for B.C. Festival of the Arts.  Other work has also been accepted for subsequent B.C. Festival of the Arts shows. 

His Statement:   “In reviewing my work over several years, what I consistently see is a reflection of our place in the natural environment.  Creating connections with our surroundings provides an opening for us to reside in the peacefulness of our inner nature.”


Contact Us:

Sharon Cross, Studio Manager

Joseph Cross Art Studio

2112 - 5 St. N., Cranbrook, BC  V1C 4Y3  Canada

Phone:  250-489-4412

E-mail:  josephcrossart@me.com



© Sharon Cross 2014