Mary Anne Barkhouse was born in Vancouver, B. C. She belongs to the Nimpkish band, Kwakiutl First Nation and is a descendant of a long line of internationally recognized artists. She graduated with honours from the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto and has exhibited widely across Canada and internationally.

Commissioned by Carlton University outside the Ojigkwanong Aboriginal Centre. From the artist: "Central to the idea of locavore are the complex power structures inherent to any ecosystem. Key species of flora and fauna, sometimes overlooked as inconsequential, are imperative to the proper functioning of the diverse global biospheres. 

Namaxala (to travel on a boat together) is located at the Canadian Museum of History with support for the creation courtesy of the John and Bonnie Buhler Foundation.

From the artist: “Based upon a story that my grandfather told me of an instance in his life where he assisted a wolf over a stretch of treacherous water on the coast of BC, ‘namaxala is a contemplation on the power of compassion and lateral thought.”

Harvest, Part of the National Gallery of Canada’s permanent collection, this installation examines the damage to Muhheakantuck (Hudson) River by European settlers and the contentious relationship of the now pervasive coyote species.

Sovereign, Part of the National Gallery of Canada’s permanent collection, “from the Boreal Baroque series, examines issues of survival and sovereignty in a northern climate. About this series, the artist has stated, "I am using animals that have developed specific cultural strategies for living in this delightful climate that we have and then putting them in a baroque living room setting." Here, as in much of her oeuvre, Barkhouse takes on the role of ambassador between the human and natural worlds. Her work demands that we think of the importance of animals and their perseverance and everyday presence in our lives, whether we live in urban or rural areas.”