(Published by Sarah D Paquet)

Michael Moya

Our Artist of the Month this month is Michael Moya. When asked what he likes to make, Michael had this to say:

“I currently like to create “sequential art” which is a fancier term meaning I make komiks haha (komiks is just the Filipino spelling for comics by the way). Right now I am working on getting my first graphic novel published that I have been drawing for the past years, so stay tuned for that! Otherwise I am more into illustrative work, mainly characters, and Filipino inspired art.”

The creative spark came to Michael young; “I started at the very wee age of 4, stemming from watching Saturday morning cartoons and playing videogames. I liked looking at all the illustration work in videogame manuals (videogame manuals have gone the way of the dodo) and drawing the characters from them.”

Michael is a local Pinawanian, originally an Edmontonian from the “Land of Oil” (A.K.A. Alberta). He has been a member of the gallery for about one year now – still a gallery newbie!

When asked about his inspiration, he stated: “Some biggest inspirations I get from for comic and illustrative work are Artists:

Akira Toriyama (Author of Dragon Ball) and Yoshitaka Amano (Illustrator for the Final Fantasy video game series), those two have a big influence in my art.” Besides the gallery, Michael’s art is displayed at your local Solo market! As well, he shares his art online on Instagram and Facebook, just search forb”Michael Moya Art & Illustrations” on Facebook and “michaelmoyaillustrations” on Instagram. He also does a comic strip series, which is published back in Alberta in a provincial newspaper for the local Filipino community called the “Alberta Filipino Journal”.

If you want to hangout and chat with him live, he streams on Twitch.tv, and his channel is “moyaart”. His streaming schedule is normally every Friday night!

Frances Kaczoroski

Our artist of the Month this time around is Fran Kaczoroski. She is one of our resident waterclour artists, but also works with acrylic, pencil, chalk and ink. Fran states that she began making art when she was very young; “It takes me out of myself and into a world of imagination. I have always enjoyed using pencils and paint to express the wonder of the world around me. A blank paper is my joy. Illustrations in McCall magazines, story books and book covers inspired me to be come a commercial Artist. I have had the privilege to have made a successful 45 year career in graphic art including illustration and art direction.”

Fran has been a member of the art gallery for 5 years, and does live locally. She states that nature is her biggest inspiration. She does not presently display art anywhere else, but adds; “I enjoy the artist community in Pinawa. The people and projects at the gallery are a source of inspiration. I hope you enjoy seeing my eclectic art showing at the Pinawa Art Gallery.”

Jan Harcus

Our artist of the Month this month (August) is Jan Harcus. She is one of our newer artists !She breaks it down for us – regarding her style, when she started, and more;

“I was inspired to create a painting on canvas after looking at paintings of various Renaissance Artists from a book I had borrowed from the Public library. The imagery. The realism. It wasn’t as though there where access to artist supply outlets during those days. Definitely not like there is today. Nor would I think there were Art Classes. Yet, some of the most famous pieces of art in history was created during that period. It planted a seed that; perhaps, even someone like myself; without attending an art school or studied art in a university could possibly produce what one would deem as “Art”. It sprung hope.

Back in 1997, struggling with the demands of having a young family; it just wasn’t financially feasible to purchase art supplies and canvases. My husband offered to make a frame and we stretched canvas over it. I purchased affordable acrylic paint and used a couple of cheap brushes. We didn’t have that much room, so out in the back yard I went and created my first painting. To this day, that painting still hangs in our house.

I dabbled with acrylics for a while until I received a set of oil paints. That expanded my possibilities of paint blending and all sorts of techniques that I fell upon by accident. As one famous painter used to quote, “ A Happy Accident”.

It wasn’t until I come to know the beauty found in and among the wondrous forest trails that surrounds our little town of Pinawa that I dove deep into the creativity of my paintings.

Sometimes, the busy-ness of our lives and the demands of this fast-paced world; we sometimes miss the opportunity of experiencing the majestic peace. Often enough, underestimate or completely overlook the surrounding glorious beauty of our Creator. I walk the TransCanada Trail and always find something new. Something I missed seeing during my last hike. It certainly is a journey.

Just taking the time to hear the gentle breeze through the limbs of the sturdy pines, feeling the warmth of the sun as I sit on the rock overlooking the still, quiet pond set in the deepness of the forest. It was this, these moments, I wanted to hold on to forever. And what better way, than expressing it; in a form of Realism Traditional Art or through a Contemporary Style on canvas through “Thou Art”, by Jan Harcus.”

Jan joined the Pinawa Art Gallery a little over a year ago; ” I am very grateful for all their support and inspiration. The members and artists had encouraged me to participate in the 2024 Boreal Shore Art Tour and this lead to my involvement with The Gwen Fox Gallery where my paintings have been displayed in various Art Shows.”

Come check her out at the Pinawa Art Gallery.

Cheryl Swanson

Our Artist of the Month this month (July) is Cheryl Swanson! Cheryl is one of our resident pottery artists, selling an assortment of beautiful yet practical pieces.

Cheryl states; “I started taking pottery classes with a friend about 10 years ago, and I became addicted quickly! I initially completed pottery classes through the Leisure Guide in Winnipeg, and then I took classes through the Winnipeg Art Gallery and for a few years at the Stoneware Gallery in Winnipeg. Now I have a studio set up at my home in Pinawa, and I use YouTube and social media to get ideas and learn new skills. I also manage a pottery Facebook group that focuses on technical glazing issues.

My practice changes frequently as there are endless creative opportunities with clay. I mostly throw pots on the wheel, but I also enjoy hand building pieces. Last year, I took on a new project, working with pet owners to make paw prints in clay. I enjoyed meeting pet families, and creating paw prints that will last forever. Most recently, I have been experimenting with surface decoration, including adding drawn or painted floral designs to my pots.”

Cheryl does live locally in Pinawa, with her own studio – featuring a pottery wheel and electric kiln. She has been a member of the Pinawa Art Gallery for 7 or 8 years, and also served on the Board of Directors for a couple of years.

When asked about her biggest inspiration, Cheryl says: “My biggest inspiration is nature, plants, flowers, water, outdoor things. Pottery is relaxing for me, and somewhat seasonal. I tend to work with clay more in the fall and winter months, and I usually take a break from clay over the summer when I prefer to be outdoors.”

Cheryl displays mostly at the PAG, along with a few other places. She often participates in the Pinawa Birthday Market and the Pinawa Christmas Market. She has also occasionally participated in craft shows in Winnipeg and Lac du Bonnet. A few years ago, Cheryl also partnered with a soap maker, and they sold soap dishes and small bowls together with the soap products.

Cheryl also posts her pots to her Facebook and Instagram pages. Her social media name is @Pinawapots – please go check her out!

Kelly Klick

Our artist of the Month this month (June), is Kelly Klick. As well as being a super talented Artist displayed within our gallery, Kelly is also the president of the Board of Directors. Kelly’s art is very unique, using many mediums within her work, and different techniques.

In her own words; “I use multiple mediums; clay sculpture, rug hooking (fibre arts) and painting to assemble (along with found items) a series of work that tells one specific story or parable. I start with a central idea then draw a mind map connecting each future piece. I ask myself ‘why is this envisioned piece part of the story? Does it have an important part in the story? Is it consistent with the other pieces? Is it similar in theme, subject matter, style, palette, medium and presentation?’ It doesn’t need to have them all but it must be strong in at least 4 of those areas. I then create each piece with an exhibition in mind.”

She started quite young, sharing, “My earliest memory is my being taken to the principal’s office because I was making mud pies in a school construction zone, I must have been about 6. I enjoyed art in high school but didn’t really return to the mud until I retired from being a midwife. I say I brought the passion for caring for others into my art.”

Kelly had a successful and fulfilling career as a midwife, as well as getting married and having a family between school and retirement. She is now a very active artist, taking and teaching some classes! She originally started as a member of PA211 in 2015. She then started to show her work in the Gallery in 2022, before joining and eventually leading the Board. “I’ve been VP and now President. I love this active little gallery very much. I live in Pinawa in one of the townhouses across from the golf course, so it’s nice and close!”

When asked about her inspiration, Kelly had this to say; “My biggest inspiration changes constantly, it really depends on my next series of work. At the moment I am finishing pieces for a solo exhibition in Winnipeg. The sitters for the sculptures in the exhibition are amazing women who have done incredible things. Right now they are my biggest inspiration, that and the deadline to install!”

Kelly has displayed her art in many places; “I am very lucky to have exhibited my art at several galleries and events throughout Manitoba. I enjoy connecting with the curators and others involved in setting up shows. Its always an exciting time.”

Finally, Kelly says; “I invite everyone to come and see my current show at the Manitoba Arts Network Gallery 210 on 210 Princess Street Winnipeg. The exhibition is titled ‘Mother Care; celebration of 25 years of regulated midwifery”. It runs from June 6 to July 18, Tuesdays to Fridays 10-4.”

Brenda McKenzie

Our Artist of the Month for May is Brenda McKenzie. She creates an array of 2-D images, and is also a published author. She elaborates further; “I have worked in pen & ink drawings which are seen as both cards and small prints; water colour, oil paints. I now concentrate on acrylic painting to produce images with elements of both water colour transparency and the hues and blending techniques of oil paints. As well, I wrote a successfully received novel in 2012 titled “Loving You” about dealing with a family member as she disappeared into dementia.”

She began as a teenager, stating: “I did graphite drawings of family members as a teenager in high school. My earliest art related memory is defending a crayon landscape image in Grade 1 – I had forgotten to add a hill to the background of the picture. A spectator laughed at my people who seemed to be flying in the sky with their kites!”

Brenda has been part of the Pinawa Art scene since the early 1970’s, living in Pinawa since 1971. Shs was the art specialist for the Pinawa School division from 1998- 2006 before retiring. She states, “I was lucky enough to meet with Viv Thomson in my first year in Pinawa. She taught me about drawing, painting, printmaking and clay work. She is still my mentor. It was a lot of fun be with her, Arlene Bohn, Stu Iverson, and Jerry Kuehl along with other artists as we morphed from friends working at art in the once empty space of the W.B.Lewis school to becoming founders of the Pinawa Art Gallery now in the W.B. Lewis Business Centre.” Brenda has also been a part of many committees and boards; “In June, 2013 I was the Co-ordinator of the Eastman Judged Art Exhibition held in Pinawa. I was a member at large and then President of the Winnipeg River Arts Council for the Eastman region 1998 – 2024. I was also on the Board of the EMCA musical association for six years – three as co-President during the 1980’s.” In her own words, Brenda’s artistic inspiration comes from life in Pinawa – both in the abstract and the reality of the small, peaceful town.

In addition to the Pinawa Art Gallery, she also displays locally at the Solo Market, & most recently at the Pinawa Golf and Country Club. She previously displayed at the Cre8ery Gallery in Winnipeg, as well as specific exhibits in the Eastman Judged Art Exhibitions in Eastern Manitoba for the past few decades.

In closing, Brenda shares this – “I’ve been married for 53 years; and together Brian and I have visited all 10 provinces, 50 states in North America, toured Europe from the Scottish highlands to Ireland to southern Italy; Australia from the Eastern coast to Adelaide and north to Alice Springs so we could celebrate a special birthday at Ayers Rock. We have enjoyed our two children and three grandchildren, AND all the wonderful people who continue to enhance our town.”

Rick McGregor

Our Artist of the Month for March is Rick McGregor. He is our newest photographer to join the gallery. His art, is his own words;

“My art is wildlife photography and lately, making frames out of old barnboard. I started wildlife photography about 10 years ago when my wife and I first bought our place on Pinawa Bay and started seeing lots of birds and animals in our yard. I just started the framing late last fall.”

Rick is one of our newest members, joining just last summer (2024). He is a local, as well. He and his wife live on Pinawa Bay after moving here from Winnipeg almost 3 years ago.

When asked about inspiration, this is what Rick had to say.

“My biggest inspiration is the beauty of nature and capturing it in its natural state. I don’t use Photoshop, Lightroom or AI as I like my photos to reflect exactly what my eye and the camera see. Wildlife is beautiful without enhancement.”

Aside from Pinawa Art Gallery, Rick also currently has several prints on display at Stone Fort Trading Company at Lower Fort Garry, located between Lockport and Selkirk.

Rick also has this message to share, with inspiring artists and photographers – “You don’t need expensive equipment and lots of lessons to get into photography. I use a Nikon point and shoot camera and have never had a lesson. Just pick up a camera and start experimenting. Let your eyes guide you, not the technology.”

Sarah Paquet

Our Artist of the Month this month is Sarah Paquet. She is our Gallery Director as well the treasurer on the board, in addition to displaying her art in the gallery. When asked about her art, Sarah states; “I have been creative most of my life, but never really honed in on my creativity until I started Sarah’s Sellables (7 years ago this May!) and began crafting jewelry and home decor.”

Sarah joined the art gallery in 2021, after being scouted at the Lac du Bonnet Farmers Market by Kelly Klick, our board president and resident artist.

Sarah is not a local, but does live along the Winnipeg River. “I live near White Mud Falls, halfway between Lac du Bonnet and Powerview-Pine Falls. I’ve lived out here for approximately 5 and a half years.

My biggest inspiration is most definitely nature. I ensure all of my products contain natural products; whether it be feather, stone, shell, antler, wood, or bone. I enjoy a variety of different mediums and encompass nature differently in each form.”

Sarah displays and sells her wall art and earrings at the Pinawa Art Gallery, and has a jewelry display at Traverse Bay Trading Post & Thrift. She also attends Lac du Bonnet, Grand Marais & Beausejour Farmer’s markets in the summer, and craft sales throughout the year.

In conclusion, Sarah says; “I am forever grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been provided at the art gallery, and within this beautiful place we call home. I am constantly inspired and honored to be so present with something so important to me.”

Stu Iverson

Our artist of the Month this month is Stu Iverson. Stu is one of our resident photographers. When asked about his art, Stu states; “I am a photographer, and I take the original photo and then process and print the image. I sell mostly cards and prints but also some framed work. For very large canvas prints I use a supplier in Winnipeg who has printed 2′ x 4′ and 3′ x 4′ prints for me. I shoot mainly scenics, plants & animals, and most of the images I display and sell were taken in this region of Manitoba & North Western Ontario. I also enjoy travel photography and have enjoyed travels in Africa and northern Europe from

Greenland to Russia.” Stu has been at photography since he was quite young, as well. “My Grandfather gave me a camera when I was 9 or 10 and as a teenager I built my own darkroom and developed my own film and made black & white prints. A higher education in science, a family and my career put photography in the back seat until abut 2010 when I got my first digital camera and then a printer etc.”

Stu has been with the gallery since the beginning; he was one of our founding members! Along with Arlene Bohn, Vivian Thompson and others. He does live locally here, in Pinawa.

His biggest inspiration: “I enjoy nature and the constantly changing look of the landscape with changes in seasons, weather etc. Animals and plants are fascinating, and I like to make pictures which show detail that is difficult or nearly impossible to see in the field. I also enjoy a challenge and nature photography is definitely that!”

Stu does not display anywhere else, but has participated in several of the Eastman Juried art shows, Red River Ex photo exhibitions, Boreal Shores Art Tours and Manitoba Photo Exhibitions.

Karly Owens

This month, our highlighted artist is Karly Owens. Karly does watercolour paintings primarily, and acrylic. “I love nature and animals so my subject focus is usually landscapes or animal portraits. Pet portraits are my specialty!”

When asked about the start of her artist journey, Karly states; “I started painting before I could walk, probably! But I’ve been using watercolour since 2018 when I created my first pet portrait for my father. My mother is a creative and my Amma (grandmother in Icelandic) was an avid artist, very active in the art scene in Winnipeg. She always had a canvas on the easel, and she worked in oils and watercolour.”

Karly joined the Art Gallery around 2015/16, shortly after her family moved to Pinawa. She currently only displays here, and in the homes of people who have some of her works of art. She states “I’ve been a bit inactive with art, and eager to get back into it soon and create some new pieces. Excited to see what inspires me next!”

Be sure to come check out the Pinawa Art Gallery to see her display !

Fay Campbell

Our artist on display this month is Fay Campbell. Having lived here since 1964, she’s been a member of Pinawa’s community for a very long time.

Fay started painting in oil, but now does mostly waterclolour or acrylic. She has been a part of the art gallery for about 10 years.

When asked about her art, she said her love of painting and seeing the results is her biggest inspiration.

She does not currently display her art anywhere else. Fay adds; “I have enjoyed my years with the gallery and have been pleased to have sold some of my work. Thank you for your support.”

Jane Marion

Jane does alcohol ink, resin, and also watercolours.

She started alcohol inks in 2017. Eventually, though the pandemic she started adding resin and creating coasters and mugs. She started into watercolours in the spring of 2023, as a way to create art that did not require as much ventilation and was not as messy!

Jane has been a member of the PAG since 2021. She’s also home grown! “Pinawa was my ‘hometown,’ growing up. I graduated high school here, and my grandparents were “Pinawa Pioneers!” (Bud and Sylvia Bjornson). I moved back here in 2021 with my family.”

Jane’s biggest inspiration:

“I am incredibly drawn to abstraction that maintains, a small pinch of form. Often the form is a hint of landscape, clouds, coast, shore…a far off moon. When I am making an alcohol ink piece, I am inspired by the ‘letting go’ that happens when you just have to trust the process and your own intuitive sense of colour tones. With my watercolours, most frequently I paint wildlife, but also waterscapes and cloudscapes. So, I suppose nature is my greatest inspiration (as it seems to be for many of the local artists, and is likely why we drawn to live in this beautiful place). As for a person, I’m always so incredibly grateful to Viv Thompson. She was a very early mentor, and always so encouraging.”

Jane began selling her art while she was still in Winnipeg, through her website and social media platforms. It is available for purchase in the Pinawa Art Gallery as well.

She ends with; “I’m incredibly grateful to the Pinawa Art Gallery, and everyone who supports it. The process of making art is therapeutic, so to have people choose to purchase a piece of your art is a very special exchange. It still feels a little surreal. I am just so appreciative to the generous community members who provide the gallery artists the support we need to continue doing what we love, and to the other gallery artists who all work together to make it possible. They are such a talented and caring group of folks. When I take my turn working at the gallery, I often choose Mondays, because there we are in my old kindergarten classroom, surrounded by beautiful art, with a collection of my grandmother’s friends who still have coffee together. It’s feels so enormously special. The intergenerational connection feels like the warmest sensation of being home.”

Lian Drabyk

Our artist of the Month this month is Lian Drabyk, one of our local photographers. In her words; “I do photography, more often wildlife, to certain scenes that I think were a great photo to take. I also take photos of the local town’s high school sports teams’ games.” Lian got her start in a somewhat unconventional way; “I was told to go do something for post-high school education after a year off, and I applied to PrairieView School of Photography two weeks before the new year started.”

Lian lives just a few minutes away by bicycle, right in the town of Pinawa. She’s been a member of the Gallery for 6 years, and during that time has served on the Board of Directors and also been an invaluable member of the gallery team.

When asked about her inspiration, Lian says this: “Haven’t found it yet, but I do get dragged around to find special birds since my mother is a birder.”

At this time, Lian only displays at the Pinawa Art Gallery, the local town markets and at BSAT and Beauhead.

Erika Uustalu-Nicholson

Our artist this month is a mixed media artist, Erika Uustalu-Nicholson.

Her style, in her words: “My art work usually stems from an interaction between myself and something external….could be personal, could be global, could be quirky and unusual, sometimes experimental. I work using a variety of media in both two and three dimensional forms.”

Erika has always enjoyed drawing and art, since she was very little. “My mother and grandmother drew and my grandfather’s brother in Europe was a professional artist.” In 2009, she retired from her career as a high school art teacher and was very happy to discover kindred artist spirits at such a wonderful space as the Pinawa Gallery. She lives northeast of Lac du Bonnet, on Pinawa Channel, in a house that her husband Archie and her finished building when they retired. They bought the property in 2003 and spent every weekend prior to retirement working on the property.

When asked about her biggest inspiration, this is what Erika had to say: “For myself, I cannot pin point one thing or entity that inspires me…It’s usually an idea or visual connection that comes after a certain thought process and/or reaction to something. Sometimes, inspiration comes from an emotion…being upset or irritated can be inspiring, feeling joyful or in awe of something also inspires. There are pieces that one knows are meaningful and others that are less so. Human nature and nature in the natural world provide lots of subject matter.”

Over the years she has displayed her work at various venues including at studio spaces and galleries that are no longer in existence. Currently, she displays her work at the Pinawa Gallery and intermittently at the Gwen Fox Gallery in Selkirk.

Arlene Bohn

Our artist of the Month this month is Arlene Bohn. Arlene has been with us since the beginning, and is not only an integral part of our gallery, and one of our teachers, but has her art displayed around the Lewis Centre. In her own words;

“Although my first passion is oil painting, it’s top spot rivals with my Zanadu Glass painting, and the teaching of Acrylic and water colour painting. I love to paint nature. The beauty of the world in its amazing colours and designs never ceases to capture my attention.”

Arlene has painted for 35 years. She lives locally, in Pinawa. She has been a gallery member since she started it in 2013, and a member of Pinawa Art another 3 years prior. She has also served on the Gallery’s Board for 11 years. At this time, she only displays her art at the Pinawa Art Gallery.

Her biggest inspiration nowadays is the emotions and excitement she sees from her painting participants as they learn to successfully create what gives them joy.

She states; “I had no idea when I began my career in Flower design that the art of colour, balance, and perspective would flow through most aspects of living for me, and I should not have been surprised when I picked up an artist’s paint brush for the first time and felt the ease of the paint on the canvas. I see how art has enhanced the lives of my children and grandchildren, in their work and their lives. It has made them better parents, more socially and community active, and more resourceful in their work. In these years of retirement, art has kept my mind and body busy, active and engaged. I love the creating and the sharing, the teaching and the socializing that the art world brings.”

Anita Schewe Drabyk

This month features our Gallery Manager, Anita Schewe Drabyk. Her art, in her own words;

“I usually do photography, watercolour and acrylic painting. I became interested in art when I lived on a farm with nature all around. Flowers, landscapes and animals are a common theme in my art.” She also got her start quite young!

“My mother encouraged us to make cards for all our great aunts, great uncles, and grandparents throughout elementary school and beyond.”

Anita is a gallery pioneer, having been a member of the gallery since it started. She also was a member of the precursor Pinawa Art 211 group since its inception. She grew up near Beausejour and has lived in Pinawa since 1985.

Anita credits family as her biggest inspiration. “My grandmother’s cousin from Pittsburgh nurtured the families’ art by buying art supplies when I was in school. When I lived in Saskatoon, Courtney Milne was a renowned Canadian photographer from whom I learnt a lot about photography and art. I took classes and attended workshops with him in western Canada.”

Anita has had her art displayed in several different art shows, including Eastman Juried Art Show, the Beau Head Arts Festival, Boreal Shores Art Tour, previous version of Pinawa Art 211 shows and various other local shows and markets.

Over the years, she have taken art courses with local artists as well as with the Emily Carr College. She also taught courses in photography and art including two years in the international school system in China. “In every place that I lived or worked, I found that I always was attracted to looking for art and photography and art supplies and books. I spent a lot of time shopping for art supplies, art and art books in China but I am still definitely a ‘prairie’ person who focuses on more subtle colours, landscapes and textures.” You can see her items available at the Pinawa Art Gallery; open Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-3.

Natalie Tucker

One of our more unique mediums in the gallery is Taxidermy art. Displayed in our beautiful wood and glass case, there are an array of different animals on display in varying scenes. Our Artist this month, Natalie (our resident Taxidermist) says, “I make Taxidermy Art that (usually) shows animals behaving like people. My favourites are the dioramas that include miniature objects and painted backgrounds.”

She started learning taxidermy and made her first piece of taxidermy art in 2019, and has been a member of the Pinawa Art Gallery since 2021. She does live locally, here in Pinawa.

Her biggest inspiration is a taxidermist named Walter Potter that created dioramas of animals acting like humans in the late 1880’s. “Sometimes he would work on a diorama for years, ‘Rabbits Village School 1888’ for example, that had 48 taxidermied rabbits, a fully furnished one-room school and miniature objects that he made all by hand”, she shares. She also enjoys the dioramas of the Torrington Gopher Museum in Alberta.

She does not currently display her art elsewhere, but hopes to have art for sale at some farmers’ markets this summer.

As a final thought, Natalie says:

“I do this type of art to bring joy to people, especially children. Taxidermied animals behaving like people is a bit shocking because it looks so absurd – my hope is that the viewer can see this as a mirror reflecting back ‘the most absurd animal of them all’ (human beings), and that we can all have a little fun with that.”

Mary Louise Chown

This month we feature Mary Louise Chown.

When asked what type of art she makes, Mary Louise responds, “I make a variety of different art and most of it is two dimensional now. In the past I have made video art and installation art. I still do performance art whenever I perform as a storyteller. My two dimensional art is in acrylic, collage, glue gun drawing, batik on paper and cloth, and cold wax. I enjoy experimenting with different media. Sometimes I choose a particular media depending on the subject matter that I want to explore. Even though I may start a piece with an idea, it always seems to take on its own life and I really never know the exact outcome.”

Mary Louise had always drawn and painted all through elementary and high school. After several years as a classroom teacher she left that profession and went to Art school. SInce then she has worked as an artist. She says, “Storytellng has been my main art form since the 1980’s, but now I divide my time between visual art and storytelling.”

Mary Louise was a member of the gallery when it began and was in a smaller space at the Lewis Centre, then ill health forced her to take a break from membership. But now she is back and enjoying being part of P.A.G.

Mary Louise lives on a farm near River Hills where she and her husband keep bees and laying hens.

Her biggest inspiration — Nature and spirituality ! She displays her art at Gwen Fox Gallery in Selkirk, on her website, and sometimes with the Manitoba Arts Network.

One last note – “I am really lucky to be living in Manitoba, where there are so many creative and supportive people, and so much beauty.”

Madison Carriere

Madison is one of our newer Artists, joining Pinawa Art Gallery in July of 2023. In her own words;

“I love trying new styles, techniques, and working with mixed media. My usual go-to when I’m feeling creative is abstract inspired by nature with acrylics on canvas.

Lately I’ve been painting using the red light technique which requires painting in a dark room using only a red coloured light source to see. This style of painting simulates color blindness and has the painter guessing what colors are being used until the painting is complete and revealed in natural light.

Art has always been my passion and I have been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember. From an early age I knew I wanted to further develop my self taught skills, so when I was 15 I began volunteering at the Winnipeg Art Gallery as a teachers assistant, aiding in lessons and gallery tours. Now at 25 I teach my own paint nights in my spare time.

I had never heard of Pinawa but winter of 2022 I applied for a job in town, moved here on a whim and fell in love with the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and people.

Over the years I have fulfilled commissions, and contributed to collaborative installation projects around the city of Winnipeg such as sculptures at the winnipeg children’s hospital and a 3d painting on display at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

What I love about art and what inspires me to create is the emotion that goes in it and the personal connections people make to it. To make something that has meaning to yourself, big or small, and evoke emotion, memories or stories when people see it is something I find really special.

My art can be seen on instagram @MadiCarriereArt

Website coming soon!”

Come check her works out at the Gallery.

Pierrette Sherwood

Pierrette is a reclaimed metal artist but also dabbles in assemblage, mosaic and paint. Pierrette states: “I have been making art since I was a child. I use to make sculptures out of mud piles in the fields and received a “how to draw” kit at the age of 11. I absolutely loved it.”

She lives along the historic Dawson Trail, just West of Richer. Her biggest inspiration;

“Nature: her seasons and cycle of endless renewal is forever inspiring. I have a particular affinity with birds.”

Pierrette has some pieces showcased at the Joe Black’s coffee shop on Portage Avenue West and currently has an exhibit titled “Of Earth and Sky” at the Steinbach Arts Centre. The exhibit is on until December 8th, 2023. The public can also catch a glimpse of the exhibit via Youtube (just google search her name).

As well, she features a selection of art on the Etsy platform and the public can follow her art and process on Facebook @pspapillon

She is also an active volunteer of her community, awarded the Queen Jubilee Medal in 2023 for her work as Founder and Project Manager for the Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour, for spearheading a commemorative trail of 15 wayfinding markers and 8 permanent artistic exhibits that celebrate the history of the Dawson Trail over 150 kms from St. Boniface to the North west angle at Lake of the Woods.

Kayla Acres

Kayla’s art is most recognized by her use of acrylic paint for landscapes and highlighting beauty within cities and its architecture. She loves the flexibility the paint allows as well as the vivid colours that she likes to sprinkle into her work to highlight some of nature’s and architecture’s beauty. She has also created many portraits – specifically pet portraits with pencil crayons! The artist loves how the crayons allow her such precision that helps bring the pets’ personality to life on the paper.

Kayla also experiments with digital art that differs largely from the acrylic landscapes by trying to capture memories of stories or creative scenarios. By doing so, she allows herself a bit more freedom in style and focuses more on story and humor.

Kayla has always been a creative and crafty child growing up and has experiment with a large variety of mediums throughout the years. Her time in high school art classes helped her solidify her foundations. After a break to complete her studies at the Saint-Boniface University – though she often received comments on her colourful notes completed with detailed diagrams- she refocused her ample free time during the Covid-19 lockdown on rediscovering her art. She also began a TikTok and Instagram account to share her progress and finished pieces there.

Kayla lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba but is proud to have family roots here in the town of Pinawa. Her grandparents, Orville and Isabelle Acres have lived in town from its very beginning and moved out here when Orville was offered a job at  the nuclear plant. Kayla is proud of the all the community engagement her grandfather accomplished within the town and is very grateful that her grandmother continues to invite her over to visit her and the town. Her father, Derek Acres, continues to share and show his memories of Pinawa that he gained growing up here.

Kayla’s acrylic paintings are greatly inspired by locations she has visited or places that hold sentimental value to her. This is why she has done a few paintings of Pinawa! Having spent a lot of time in the town, she has found much inspiration for her work.

You can sometimes find Kayla and her artwork at farmers markets in and around Winnipeg. In addition, you can find her work on her Instagram: acres_works_of_art

Fun fact: The Hockey Arena in town was renamed after Kayla’s late grandfather: Orville Acres.

Theresa Caya

Theresa makes molded and container candles, tealights and wax melts.

Theresa has been making candles for probably 10 years, but it started out as tealights and votives as gifts for Christmas/birthdays.

“My daughters encouraged me about 2 years ago to start making them to sell, and Sarah started take them with her to farmers markets and craft sales.”

Theresa lives by White Mud Falls, in the RM of Alexander. She has lived out here for the last 20 years.

Theresa’s biggest inspiration: Her daughters ! They are both crafty, and watching them craft, and having them encourage her craft, is what inspires her to keep going.

Theresa has an assortment of container candles and tealights available at Manitoba Made, as well as a selection of custom molded candles available to order from here.