Retirement from my nursing career and the pandemic gave me the time to start following my interest in learning how to use a paintbrush and or drawing utensils. Our move to Mount Brydges at the start of the pandemic certainly delayed my access to participating in local community groups but our local library helped to continue the spark to pursue art and start meeting folks in my community through the zoom platform where I was able to register for some library art and craft classes online. As access to community groups started to open up again last fall I was able to join the Strathroy Art Group and participate in their meetings and art classes. Wonderful Wednesday morning sessions allow time for drop in sessions to focus on individual projects which we can share amongst group members as well invite local artists to provide instruction in different kinds of media. I also am enjoying my time with a hybrid model of zoom and in person art sessions with a seniors art group in Dorchester where I have been introduced to a variety of art using water colours, neurographic art, gel pad art, acrylic painting as well as wig making.

I have been a long time photographer and still enjoy the opportunity to be behind the lens so I feel most comfortable for the time being, until I become more skilled with the paintbrush, I will default to sharing some of my photography. I have always enjoyed hiking and traveling to appreciate nature and landscapes in our wonderful country and when time and finances have allowed, to other countries.

As a new member to the Strathroy Camera Club and due to the initiative of Keith Blackwell, I was able to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity recently sponsored by The Wright Family Foundation to see one of my photos printed on canvas and kindly displayed by a local business, JJ Muggs cafe, for a month. The photo was taken at Cape Spear on my first trip to Nfld 6 years ago now. A province that we had never explored and that we highly recommend if you have not yet had the opportunity to do so. Such wonderful landscapes to explore and friendly people to visit.

My husband and I have been so happy to move to our new welcoming community and home and are very appreciative of starting this new chapter in our lives. I have many new places to explore and record both with my camera and now gradually with my new experiments with a paintbrush and pencil.