I was born and raised in Toronto. After high school, I joined the Air Force to see the world - well, many places in Canada anyway. I spent two years working in the Medical Corps, married my air force buddy and raised two children.
As women were not allowed to have children and stay in the forces, I joined the reserves when the kids were school age and worked in physical education. Upon retirement in 1987, we all moved to North Battleford. I got a job coaching the swim team and then started to work as an instructor/guard at the Kinsmen Pool. I'm still with the pool after all these years. It has been like a family - can't let go.
It was at the pool that I discovered my ability to draw while painting windows and walls for a little brightening up of the place and it was there that I met Hazel Asmussen, a local painter, who encouraged me to pursue my drawing. So off to Emma Lake campus for a workshop, where I suffered utter terror and great delight. I was out of my league as there were many fine artists attending, but I was given a lot of encouragement and started my journey.
I joined the Battlefords Art Club in the early 90s and encountered many talented individuals who were willing to share their knowledge and skills. I attended many workshops that were organized by the Chapel Gallery, tried new media and techniques.
Pencil, pen and ink, acrylics and pastels are a few media I enjoy.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of working in a mentorship program for two years. This took me into a world of experimenting with new material and a good group of local artists. Since then, I have taken a mask-making workshop and a watercolour workshop and I'm looking forward to a pastel workshop that may happen in January or February of 2015 through the Chapel Gallery.
As for my home and family - my real joy - my husband Dermott and I have lived in the same home for 30 years - nice to have roots after the military. I am so fortunate that both my children live in the same community. My daughter Dawn has given me four loving grandchildren and my son Mark has given me two. I am also a great-grandmother. Talk about being blessed.
Art Notes
By Karen Kowalski
"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable."
- Cesar Cruz
The Chapel Gallery Members Show is now on display at the gallery. It's quite an interesting show.
Just a reminder that Art Club meets on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Club membership is $25 per year - a steal of a deal.
As Christmas is just around the corner, it is time for a Christmas party. The Art Club Christmas luncheon will be at Pennydale's at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Merry Christmas to all.
