In March 2020, artists Maureen Gruben and Sonya Kelliher-Combs were set to embark on a reciprocal artist exchange through the IAF Circumpolar Exchange Program—a longtime dream of two artists who share an aesthetic affinity and a deep mutual respect for one another’s work. Due to global health concerns and travel restrictions, an already long journey became impossible. With flight routes cancelled and borders shut, Gruben and Kelliher-Combs embarked on residencies separately, but together. Over the summer months, the artists shared notes, images and numerous stories via email, FaceTime and telephone. The following pages capture an intimate look at the seeds of their collaboration thus far. Sonya Kelliher-Combs Maureen Gruben Sonya Kelliher-Combs Sonya Kelliher-Combs Sonya Kelliher-Combs Maureen Gruben Maureen Gruben Maureen Gruben Sonya Kelliher-Combs Sonya Kelliher-Combs Maureen Gruben Experience a virtual reality version of Gruben's piece Maureen Gruben Sonya Kelliher-Combs Maureen Gruben Maureen Gruben Sonya Kelliher-Combs Maureen Gruben The IAF Circumpolar Exchange Program is made possible through support from the Canada Council for the Arts. Sonya Kelliher-Combs’s residency was further supported by the Nordic Lab, an initiative of Galerie Saw Gallery in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts.