Joe Fafard was born September 2nd, 1942, in Ste. Marthe, Saskatchewan. He completed a B.S.A. at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg (1966), and a Master of Fine Arts at Pennsylvania State University State College (1968). He then began teaching sculpture on the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan in 1968. It was here he met David Gilhooly from the University of California at David and, under his influence, began working in ceramic sculpture instead of continuing with his kinetic sculpture experiments.

Fafard ceased teaching in 1974 to settle in Pense, Saskatchewan, and apart from working as a visiting lecturer in sculpture at the University of California at Davis (1980- 81), he has since devoted himself to art full-time. In the early 1980's he began working in bronze, opening a foundry, Julienne Atelier Inc. in Pense. Fafard has exhibited internationally in New York, Brussels, Belgium, and Canada House in London, England. His work is found in many public and corporate Canadian collections.

An active member of the arts community, Fafard has served as a member of the Canada Council and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. He currently lives and works in Regina, Saskatchewan. He has received numerous awards, including the Order of Canada in 1981 and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Allied Arts Award in 1987. He continues to reside and work in Regina, Saskatchewan.