Rick Mercer says there's nothing funny about Trump and more arts stories you might have missed

Here at CBC Arts, you won't just find our original content — we also bring you the best art posts from across the entire CBC network.

These are the week's can't-miss stories:

'There's no joy there': Nothing funny about Trump, says CBC satirist Rick Mercer (CBC Saskatoon)

Plenty of comedians have been having fun with the Trump presidency (you may recall last week's Art Post Outpost, where Muslim comic Negin Farsad talked about using humour to cope with today's political climate). But beloved Canadian satirist Rick Mercer isn't laughing.

"A lot of people think, 'Oh, this must be great for people in your business,'" Mercer told CBC Radio. "I don't think anybody in my business wishes ill on the world or the country just to make their job a little easier." And while he warned primarily against being too glib about the very real threats posed by the presidency, he had some words of caution for Canadians as well: don't get too smug about what's happening south of the border. "A big chunk of Canadians are probably quietly thinking he's doing a good job."

'Utter shock and disbelief': Rookie Yellowknife filmmaker hand-picked to go to Cannes (CBC North)

Imagine being an elementary school teacher and amateur filmmaker. You've just screened your first movie in nine years — and suddenly a festival director approaches and tells he's taking you to the Cannes Film Festival. That's exactly what happened to Keith Robertson when he played his short film BAIT! at the Dead North Film Festival. Robertson was so taken aback that he thought it was a joke. "It's kind of like being signed to a record deal or picked up by a sports agent," he told CBC North in disbelief. Congrats, Keith!

Meet Autumn, a stereotype-smashing Muslim comic book artist (Now Or Never)

Autumn Crossman-Serb was nervous the first time she posted art featuring a hijab-wearing woman — but the risk paid off. The Winnipeg artist's barrier-breaking work has quickly built her a loyal following, proving both the importance of and demand for representation in the comic world. "The main reason anyone gets excited over my art," she told Now Or Never, "is because you see yourself in something for the first time. And in that moment, it's kind of like, 'Oh, I do exist!'"

'I can do whatever I want': Art exhibit shows seniors' work (CBC Manitoba)

You're never too old to create. Toby Gillies — who CBC Arts recently featured as one of our Exhibitionists in Residence — leads a weekly program encouraging seniors to make art at Winnipeg's Misericordia Health Centre and the seniors' residence across the street. And the results are inspiring for both the artists themselves and for anyone who sees them: Gillies says that in every workshop at least one person tells him they were discouraged as a child and haven't tried pursuing art in the years since, but he sees their artistic voices developing as the weeks continue. And how could you look at these happy budding creators and their colourful work and feel anything but joy?

No respect? Artist defends Rodney Dangerfield mural after comedian's widow threatens to destroy it​ (As It Happens)

When Italian artist Francesca Tosca Robicci painted a mural of Rodney Dangerfield in his Queens childhood neighbourhood, she says her intention was to honour the late comedian. But Dangerfield's widow doesn't agree — in fact, she dislikes the mural so much that she wants to have it painted over, calling it "an entirely unacceptable image" in a letter from her lawyer. Robicci spoke with As It Happens to defend her work: "I was not working on Photoshop. I was painting a wall." That being said, she plans on returning to NYC as soon as possible to rework the painting — so hopefully both parties will be feeling a little more respected soon.

Bookmark the CBC Arts homepage and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the arts stories you need from across the country!