AIRDRIE7

"RULE THE ROOST" MIXED MEDIA

2012-01-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

Growing up on a farm was an amazing experience and one I am so thankful for. The sights and sounds of nature, the fresh air, the freedom to roam, create and discover. One fond memory that I have and perhaps the rest of may family were not so fond of is the sound of the rooster's crow in the wee hours of the morning. They sort of let you know that they are alive and well on planet earth and they are prepared to face the day. In a strange way that brought joy to my heart. Perhaps a creative way of announcing a new day has dawned! This fellow is letting us know that he is prepared to reign and rule in his domain!

our newest member...

2012-01-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Michelle Pickering studied art and design at Red Deer College followed by graphic design at Grant McEwan University, before being offered the opportunity to be involved in the creative Main Street Revitalization Project in Red Deer, where she was recognized with an award for her contribution.

Since then she has become a reiki practitioner and painter. Reiki (meaning "universal life energy" in Japanese) is a form of therapy that uses simple hands-on, no-touch and visualization techniques, with the goal of improving the flow of life energy in a person to relieve stress and pain and to improve the symptoms of various health conditions.It is her passion for creativity and love of stepping out to inspire others in their own beauty that is reflected in her work both as a painter and Reiki practice. She is inspired to find that place right in the middle between heaven and earth; that slice of joy; that place inside that sets a person free with unconditional love.

Her favorite quote captures her motivation, "You are the creator of your universe. You can create (manifest) anything! Do not limit what you think you can do. You can do anything! Without judgments you can lovingly acknowledge what you create, which will open the flow for greater creations." (Author Unknown)As a teacher she is always open to new ideas and hopes to translate them in her work. She offers people the opportunity to let their artistic expression flow and allows for personal inspiration to guide to new heights. You can read more about her online at www.michellepickering.weebly.com.

Altered Book Pages

2011-08-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

It is even more interesting using the paper we find in Nature. I saved and used and old abandoned wasp nest for the page in my daughter's Altered Book

Nature vs. Nurture

2011-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Brenda's theme had me thinking about the age old question: is it nature or nurture that shapes who we are and who we become? I'm not sure that's a question that can ever be answered definitively as it is far too complex. But a wee bit of rumination on the topic is great fodder for an art journal. My reflections...

Joy, Happiness - Veronica's Art Journal

2011-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

I believe real Joy is experienced when we live life from a place of ease rather than resistance. It's tough to do sometimes, as we very often get caught up in wishing things were different than they are, or wanting something we don't have, or being unsatisfied with ourselves instead of just being in a state of grace. Ease is going with the natural flow of life. It's being in gratitude for ALL things just as they are and moving toward where life's opportunities lead you. It takes patience, trust and faith...in yourself and in the Universe.

Doing what you love most is a path to joy...it is a way to fulfilling dreams. For me, that means working with my hands creating something...anything, really. And, hopefully the things I make are inspiring to someone in some way...pure bliss!

Dream big, Believe it with all your heart, and then Follow the path where it leads, no matter how circuitous the route. Joy and happiness wait for you there...each day on the path of ease.

Roots

2011-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Kristen's book examines our roots and the medium of photography. So I took a look backward in my own history to reflect on my roots...part of the story of my journey.

This final page shares a number of quotes on the subject....I was just having too much fun with the paints and embossing powders, etc.!

A winter solitude...

2011-05-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

I was out the other day with a subject and thought to capture the beautiful snow scenes we are lucky to have here. When working, I feel truly driven and inspired by so much that it is hard to step away. I guess it is like that with any medium. The thought of creating this image has been in my mind for a little while and glad I finally got the opportunity...

Sing Your Song

2011-05-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Susan's theme made me think of all the unique ways we can express ourselves - "sing our song". And I thought about the beautiful stained glass windows in Grace Cathedral in San Francisco that I saw when visiting there. These windows were extraordinary...and they were someone's unique gift to the world. We all need only to find a way to uncover our own gifts and then boldly share them with others however we can. Creating silence is the way to hear this voice; the light within...

New Art Co-op In Irricana

2010-09-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is a sneak look at our new venture in Irricana, the Grasshopper Gallery. It is a great space to share with a bunch of art friends. Yesterday was so much fun hanging around down at the gallery with other artists and all of us just doing our own thing but still connected somehow. I think this is what life is about. Friends sharing a passion on a rainy day. Open the door and come on in friends.

"My Pages in Kristen's Altered Art Book!"

2010-08-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the fact of New Goods in the world of Photography. New cameras, lens, gadgets are a photographers delight. On the right, I have incorporated a dancer, simply for the love of dance in all forms. This lovely ballerina was hidden in the back of Kristen's book. Being that Kristen's theme was Photography, I felt to bring the photo of this beauty to the forefront. Really enjoy how light seems to dance with her, and the contrast of the dark shadow behind her.

"My Pages in Kristen's Altered Art Book!"

2010-08-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

Kristen is an amazing Photographer! Check her out on our blog! Her theme is Photography and all that goes with that. I have kept things quite simple and even used some of the photos in her book and reworked them.

"Kristen's Book (Continued)

2010-08-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

There is no flying without wings, I love that saying! This funky dog is sitting on some old stamps, and jazzed up with a fun bowtie, and some leggings. What a hoot! Then I found this adorable photo of an Inuit girl. I added some hair bling and a fun cap for her as she giggles for us. What a princess hey!!!!

Kristen's Book (Continued)

2010-08-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Remembering days gone by when I worked in a Photography Shop. My duties there were: Receptionist/Bookkeeper and I often would spend hours retouching old black and white photographs that were in need of repair. The work was time consuming and it required much patience, but the end product was worth the wait! The cut up doll fabric here reminded me of those days and the portraits I was called upon to fix. On the right, I have inserted a piece of the painting that I am dismantling, and inserting into the Airdrie 7 books.

"Susan's Altered Art Book - Hum your Hymn

2010-08-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hum Your Hymn/ Sing Your Song is the theme that Susan picked. She has an old Hymn book that is being recreated. On the left I wrote a little poem that came to me as I worked in her book. "Your hum may come in pieces of you may know it from the start, but when you hum your hymn, sing it from your heart!" Susan has 2 lovely daughters who are also dear to my heart, and she has shared them with me. I am blessed to have friends who have shared their daughters with me. So sing and hum as you walk out your life's journey and adjust if necessary!

"Susan's Altered Art Book (Continued)

2010-08-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Reserved for such a time as this, this paper window was sitting in my studio. Behind it I stuck a piece of the nations. There is that old Rooster from my business card, singing his song, probably wanting you to sing your song too. On the right, a simple water color, leaving room for you to hum your hymn!

"Susan's Altered Art Book (Continued)

2010-08-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

The metal letters on the left side page say "WAIT". That is sometimes how you get your new song. The tulips are painted in. My niece once told me that tulips are the only flower that continues to grow once they have been cut. I tested this once and have found it to be true. I suppose we are to grow in times of trials and testings too. On the right, a continued version from the previous page that the whole world is "Waiting for your song!" Who knows maybe heaven even joins in too!

"Susan's Book (Continued)

2010-08-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

I had originally said that I would add a piece of my dismantled canvas painting to each of the girl's books. So here is Susan's corner of that previously painted piece.

Sing. Your. Song.

2010-06-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

I've given a lot of thought to Susan's theme. Especially to the idea that we each have our own music to sing...our own character, our own personal form of expression. And the challenges and the triumphs that we experience help to guide us along our paths...those trails that we are destined to travel. Even though we may feel fear and trepidation in our initial steps, and may chose not to step forth at this time, those opportunities will present themselves again when we are prepared to take the leap. The leap of faith. Believe.

Sacred Moments.

2010-06-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek into Cheryl's book whose focus was SACRED MOMENTS. This book is very sad for me to work on because my lovely friend is moving away. Fortunately to an absolutely beautiful island on the coast where she will find many sacred moments. Sacred moments are to me those times that occur every day, at home, with family or friends. A conversation that enriches. A brief glimps at the beauty of life every day, this sacred life. This time as a creative woman. The special souls that I have the priviledge of meeting over the course of my lifetime. Every day, whether the sun is shining or the clouds have settled upon us, the birds continue to sing, plants continue to grow, and we continue to experience the sacred in the ordinary.

Roots.

2010-06-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek into Kristen's book. She found a book on her love, photography, with a strong focus on the past, including historical photographs. She also highlighted certain words & phrases, one of which was my focus, and that was ROOTS. I began to think about that which is important to me in order to grow my own roots. It's a subject I've given a lot of thought to, especially recently with the AIRdirondack project in Airdrie. I've lived in and been a part of this community for over 12 years and that has given me roots, but also, my family lives on the other side of the prairies, so I also have roots there. It is my birthplace, where I met my husband and where I had my first child. So I am firmly planted there. But I am an Alberta girl at heart. I graduated here, attended art college here, and had my second child here, too. It is not only the place, but the people we meet along the way that help develop and nurture our roots. And of course, my love of colour had to be incorporated - as it is as much a part of me as my DNA.

AIRdirondak Chair Project & THE EMPTY BOWLS FOR THE HUNGRY ART FESTIVAL

2010-06-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Chairs turned out so great!!!

AIRdirondak Chair Project & THE EMPTY BOWLS FOR THE HUNGRY ART FESTIVAL

2010-06-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

We are getting excited to take part in the EMPTY BOWLS FOR THE HUNGRY ARTS FESTIVAL.

For more information CLICK HERE

Some of us are going to be displaying our AIRdirondak Chairs to launch a fund raiser for an Airdrie Arts Centre.

Come join the fun.

To sneak a peek:

Rhea's

Michelle's

Susan's

Veronica's

Alterbooks... so unexpectedly FUN!

2010-05-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fun this project is and it is stretching my creativty to a new level. Well, we started this project by choosing an old book and a theme. After messing up the cover and altering few pages we pass it on to another member of the group. I am working on my 3rd book from one of the other members and am having a "Hoot!", as Rhea would say.

Here are some pictures from Cheryl's. What an awesome theme, "Sacred Time." We all need time to ourselves in quiet reflections to reconnect with ourselves again. Notice she cut her book into the shape of a heart. We a great idea! These are the pages that I did for her; so fun!!

See my Altered book HERE

"My Pages in Cheryl's Altered Book, Sacred Time!"

2010-04-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Only Cheryl would take her book out to her band saw and cut it into the shape of a heart.

Love it and love her theme too, SACRED TIME! Well for me it begins early in the morning, as the Rooster crows. I love to plan out my day and start it out in stillness and meditation. In quietness and confidence, there I get my strength.

"My Pages in Cheryl's Book, Sacred Time!"

2010-04-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! I like that saying and so hence, it is incorporated in Cheryl's delightful book. On the left, as a base, I have used my cut up canvas. Then adding an infant from Cheryl's book, Floria, a sweet child on a journey of her childhood.

Her future looks so bright, she has to wear sunglasses! On the right, I've cut out a window and beyond that is a key. I've kept in tune with the original story line, by keeping the author's word of Floria's childhood. It states something like (Her mother's cooking - Sacred Time and Her Father's listening to opera - Sacred Time) The rocking horse just seemed to fit right in!

"She reaches For a Miracle!" Cheryl's Book Continued

2010-04-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here are my pages 5 & 6 in Cheryl's Book. On the left we have that beautiful baby girl, Floria, who by the way, was in Cheryl's book. She is continuing on her childhood journey, in hopes of finding the keys to her future. On the right, I've added a piece of a canvas that I began to dismantle. I shall add a piece of that to all the girl's of Airdrie 7,'s books. I left a portion of the book that talks about the Bride being Grateful. This too is Sacred Time!

"Ancient, My Pages in Cheryl's Altered Book"

2010-04-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here I have aged the left page, adding the word "Ancient" as I believe Sacred Time is Ancient. I tried to portray a diamond on the bottom, so Cheryl would know She is a real Gem! On the right, I've painted Highrises, as she will be moving shortly and enjoying life perhaps closer to a larger city. A place brimming with culture that she is sure to enjoy! You're future looks bright, Cheryl!

Harris' Brushstrokes Help Haiti

2010-04-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Marie Pollock, Echo Reporter

A local artist has done her part to contribute to the rebuilding of Haiti.
Susan Harris, of Airdrie, donated one of her paintings, titled "Dancing under his shadow," to a silent art auction in Calgary. The proceeds will go to the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity to help with their efforts to restore the damage caused by the January earthquake.

"I have donated quite a few paintings for different fundraisers, and I hadn't been able to do anything for Haiti yet," Harris said. "It's a way to give back."
Harris currently paints on a part time basis, but wants to turn her art into a career.
She said that painting allows her to explore her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and when she paints, she feels like she is painting with God.
"I can paint no matter how I'm feeling or what's going on in my life," she said. "I can lose myself in that."
She said she likes painting with acrylics, and particularly enjoys painting abstracts, scenery and portraits.
In addition to her paintings, Harris has done illustrations for businesses and album covers for musicians.

Harris has explored her interest in art since she was in her teens, but only narrowed her focus to painting within the last five years.
"I put something of myself in each painting," she said. "So when people have one of my paintings, they have something of what I feel in my spirit. It just brings me a lot of joy."
In addition to her individual work, Harris is also part of the Airdrie 7 artist group.
Harris, along with six other women, formed the group in April 2009. The other members of the group are Brenda Campbell, Cheryl Bakke Martin, Kristen Shima, Michelle Wiebe, Rhea Warholik and Veronica Funk.
As a group, the Airdrie 7 contribute to a blog, put on shows to promote their work, and work on different projects.
The group is currently working on a project called Altered Books. Each member of the group picked an old book that they want to alter and picked a theme. They pass the books around to each other, and each member adds something to every book.
"It's just a way to stretch your creativity," Harris said.
The group's blog can be viewed at airdrie7.blogspot.com. As well, all of the artists have their own personal blogs.
"Promoting ourselves as a group has helped us as individual artists," Harris said.
The group currently has an exhibit on display at the Airdrie Public Library. The exhibit will be up until May 3.
Harris said that with the exception of spending time with her family, she would rather paint than do anything else.
"This is my passion. I just love doing it," she said. "I should have a bumper sticker that says 'I'd rather be painting.'"
Harris's art can be viewed at the library, and on her blog at artistsusanharris.blogspot.com.

"Leaping From Ordinary Into Extraordinary"

2010-04-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided to post my Altered Art Book. Its a project that all the girls of "Airdrie 7" are currently working on. They are rotating and so much fun. Here is a peek into my world. I chose the theme "Leaping From Ordinary Into Extraordinary

That can certainly mean alot of things to alot of people. It could mean going from eating oatmeal with brown sugar, to oatmeal with apricots and chocolate chips! YUM (Got that from Julie and Julia) It could mean upgrading your car, for a funkier one. It could mean picking up lost dreams, nurturing them and making them become a reality. Take the leap to change something you have been wanting to for a while!

"The Opening of my Book and Poem"

2010-04-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Back in January, I was pondering some things and decided to make a deal with myself to reach a bit further and higher this year. So here is the first "Poem" I have written in ages. Hope you too will feel motivated to live life outside the box. Dare to be who you were created to be!

(words are copywrighted) Be kind and request to use!

"Laughter is Good Medicine"

2010-04-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

"Make Happy those who are near and those who are far will come!" It is said that little children laugh about 200 times a day. When we become adults, perhaps because of life in the fast lane, that number drops to a few times a day. Shame isn't it? So go ahead and have yourself a good belly laugh today. If you can't find anything funny, you need to get around children, and that should do the trick!

Art Exhibit at the Library

2010-03-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

We just finished hanging an Art Exhibit at the Airdrie Public Library that will show until May 3rd.

It looks great and I wish you all could see it. We will post pictures later to view if you are not in the Airdrie, Alberta, Canada area.

However, if you do live in the area come on by and have a look. You will be amazed at the caliber and diversity of this group of amazing female artisans.

This is one of my paintings that we didn't have room for so I thought I would hang it in our "AIRDRIE 7" Blog. It is called "HORIZON" and for more information Click Here.

by Susan Harris

Altering My Artwork

2010-02-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying working on my Altered book and it is stretching and expending my creativity.

I called it "Hum Your Hymn; Sing Your Song" because I am altering a Hymn Book. Also because I really believe that we are all here on this planet for a purpose. It would be wonderful if everyone could live their life to the fullest wouldn't it?

Inside Pages from Brenda

2010-02-26T14:54:00.001-08:00

From our roots up through a very twisty road called "life". What could possibly be next?

My Altered Book Project

2010-02-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

I have been so excited to start this group project. It's been such a treat to throw caution to the wind and just let my creative side take over. Incorporating found objects into this project will let me enjoy the treasure hunting moments and let me take time to enjoy really looking around for a change... "not in fast forward either".

Order. Finally.

2010-02-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

So, I've finally begun working in Rhea's book...it's been interesting to see the struggle I've had with this project. I think it may be the fact that I'm not a mixed media artist but a painter. I love to paint, like the order of it...just need my ground, some gesso and some paint. I also remembered that I wanted to focus a little more on watercolors in this process. And, of course I had to incorporate a chair somehow. As there are seven of us, I think this project will probably last at least a year, which I'm grateful for as I like the time to daydream and plan and think about my steps in each. Our trading order is as follows:

Brenda to Cheryl
Cheryl to Susan
Susan to Rhea
Rhea to Veronica
Veronica to Michelle
Michelle to Kristen
Kristen to Brenda

And most of us have a title or subject:

"Nurture vs. Nature" - Brenda
"Sacred Time" - Cheryl
"Hum Your Hymn, Sing Your Song" - Susan
"From Ordinary to Extraordinary" - Rhea
"Follow Your Bliss" - Veronica
"A Child's Story" - Michelle
"Photographs" - Kristen

"New Day" "New Way" 12 x 36 Mixed Media

2010-02-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

These mixed media pieces were completed last fall. They are done on Canvas and are currently for sale and on display at "Just The Bakery" in Didsbury, Ab.

Monday I shall start a "Characature" of Karen, The Owner/Baker. That should be fun. Currently have alot on the cooker, The Altered Art Books that the Airdrie 7 girls are swapping, gearing up to teach a mixed media class to children at the Library, Sat, Feb 20, working on a "Dancing Bear" oil piece, also working on a piece or two for a "Haiti Fundraiser Auction" Stay Tuned for some of these upcoming posts.

"Follow Your Bliss"

2010-02-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

"When you follow your bliss...

doors will open when you would not have

thought there would be doors;

and where there wouldn't be a door for

anyone else."

~Joseph Campbell

Here's a peak into my altered book, which will be passed along to one of the other members of AIRDRIE7 tomorrow. I'm still hoping to finish the cover before then :) I was struggling with it, even though the subject is near and dear to my heart, until I met the lovely Cheryl for coffee yesterday and she told me that whatever it is that I talk about, the things I constantly think about, should be in my book. And so they are.

Portraits

2010-01-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

The Gals have been saying... where are your portraits; how come you are not doing more portraits; how come you are not posting more of your portrait drawings? Well here I go...and there will be more to come. I promise; I really do. I love doing them but have been enjoying painting for the last few years, however, it is time to get back into portrait drawings. I have done a few impressionistic acrylic paintings too, which I loved.

One of my favorite TV shows is called "Star Portraits." It is a Canadian Show and it features 3 different portrait Artists each show along with their subject which is a famous Canadian. It is really interesting. I love the different techniques that each artist brings to the show. The person that they are painting usually has some unique reactions to their portraits. It can be very emotional to have your portrait done because it gives a little glimpse into how others view you which can be a little unnerving, surprising or scary.

Lucky number 7

2009-09-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

AirdrieLIFE Magazine
Written by Ellen Kelly
Photographs by Kristy Reimer

"Down By The Bay" 9 X 12 Oil On Panel

2009-09-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

There are times when you just need to pull out the palette knife and go for it. This was one of those times. I couldn't sleep one night and was tossing and turning, when suddenly I just felt the need to paint. So in the wee hours of the night, I pulled out all the stops and just went for it. The hues of Brillant colors melted like butter as they were applied to the canvas. What a great feeling, and then wouldn't you know it, I was tired, went back to bed and slept like a rock.

New Murals

2009-09-12T22:19:00.001-07:00

Here are the two new murals I have just completed for Beiseker School and the Town of Irricana. I seem to be spending a lot of time painting large pieces this summer and helping coordinate the mural program in Irricana. We have 20 murals in total now in town with more coming. Come and check them out. http://www.irricana.com/

I AM GETTING INTO THE CREATIVE GROOVE

2009-09-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hey I am into the creative groove or am I groovy creative?

I don't know what but...

I am flowin'

I am divin' in

This is going to be a great fall!

Local art group shares common bond

2009-08-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

Local art group shares common bond

DAWN SMITH
Rockyview Publishing

All seven members of AIRDRIE7, a group of local artists, understand the difficulties of balancing work and life.

The diversely skilled artists, including Veronica Funk, Rhea Warholik, Susan Harris, Cheryl Bakke Martin, Michelle Wiebe, Kristen Shima and Brenda Campbell, share another common bond - motherhood.

Motivated by the desire to be part of a supportive, inspiring group, AIRDRIE7 - playfully named after the famous 1920's Canadian landscape painters - was formed earlier this year.

Although cherished, the day-to-day responsibilities and busyness of being a mom can often detract from an artist's ability to create, according to Campbell, an artist from Irricana.

That's why this group has become so important.

"I get kind of busy with life, and my art gets put on the back burner," said Campbell. "When you hang out with people like them you think 'wow', I want to go home and paint.'"

Veronica Funk, group member and mother of two, always leaves meetings inspired and ready to work again.

Although she has lived in Airdrie 12 years, this is the first time she has connected with a group of artists that understands the challenge of being a mother and an artist.

"We all realized we need community because being an artist is often a solitary thing," said Funk. "It is nice to get some feedback, critique and some support. We all understand, too, that we need to take kids to the dentist and make supper."

For her, support is important because of the widely held belief that artists cannot have both a career and a family.

It is a belief Funk opposes, as her children often give her new ideas and encouragement.

"They give me more than they take and I am grateful for that," said Funk.

Since its inception, the group has taken part in studio tours and put on an art show complete with demonstrations.

More are planned for the fall.

Fewer Meetings, More Art

2009-08-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Airdrie 7 hopes to build a brighter future to the arts in Airdrie
by Covy Moore, Airdrie City View, Friday, May 08, 2009

The arts may have taken the back seat during the current recession, but one group of local women is working to keep its members' passions alive.

The Airdrie7, including Brenda Campbell, Cheryl Bakke Martin, Kristen Shima, Michelle Wiebe, Rhea Warholik, Susan Harris and Veronica Funk, was created for people active within the local arts scene, who want to avoid the formalities of an official organization.

"We don't want meetings and minutes, nothing formal," said Funk. "We just want to do art, and show the community."

The group can rightly claim expertise in a variety of mediums:

Campbell is an Alberta College of Art and Design graduate and the only member not currently living in Airdrie. She took part in the City of Calgary's Udderly Art project, painting one of the cows placed around the city.
Bakke Martin works in hot glass, metal and paint, and was involved in the mural mosaic project entitled The Buffalo Twins, which was unveiled to the Queen in 2005 during the Alberta/Saskatchewan Centennial.
Shima, the group's only photographer, was voted Calgary's Child Family Photographer in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Wiebe graduated as the valedictorian of the Langley Fine Arts School, and has a permanent piece of artwork entitled 'Twilight' displayed at the University of Alberta.
Warholik has done numerous live painting at women's conferences, and was involved in a project to raise funds for an orphanage in Africa through the Bergen Auction last year.
Harris is also a painter, and has been involved in similar live painting events as Warholik, taking part in women's conferences. Harris' work is a permanent fixture in Tri-Cities, Washington, after a personal request came from the city.
Funk is the painter who designed logos and murals for the 1986 Alberta Winter Games, and completed her first ever solo art show at Artspace in 2001.

The Airdrie7 draws inspiration from a similar group in the 1960s in Regina, who called themselves the Regina5.

"They were a group of artists who decided that they were tired of having to deal with the art establishment, they just decided they were going to do art shows," Funk said. "The organizations are definitely of value. I think they are important, but I think sometimes you need to step away from that and be an artist, too much of that can kill the artistic flow."

Funk stressed that the group is, and will continue to be very active in the Airdrie arts community, and work on building a bigger arts environment in Airdrie.

"Everything is in Calgary, and though I've been involved in Calgary shows, we want to bring it to Airdrie," Funk said. "We are inspired by each other, and arts in general. I think Airdrie can be a very artistic city, and what we really want to do is contribute."

Stories Retold

2009-05-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Working on the small pencil sketches for a book about amusing historical accounts made me enjoy the process of researching the artifcacts I needed for each drawing almost as much as working on the drawings themselves.

Building Excitement

2009-05-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Blue Floral Plate on Green Tray

6" x 6"

Acrylic on Masonite

2009

I am the type of artist that finds deep motivation from deadlines. Having our upcoming art demonstration and sale has really kicked things in high gear for me.

Right now I am choosing what paintings I want to bring, the smaller items I'd like to sell like prints, cards and studies. I'm also getting really excited about how I can display these. I know the rest of the group is going through similar steps right now - this will only serve to get us even more excited for the big day!

The other key thing I think we are all thinking about is what makes this show so special: what we are going to demonstrate for you!

I love painting for people, it is a great way for patrons to discover the techniques that make artwork sizzle, they can ask questions, look at the equipment and really get a good idea of what steps are involved in the creation of artwork!

I'm not totally sure what I'm going to paint this weekend, but I'm really hoping to share a beautiful piece with all our guests!

Delightful Surprises

2009-05-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

I just love heading for the kiln to see what wonderful surprises will be waiting for me there. You start out with something you anticipate will end up being wonderful.....and then, even with those expectations, you are still pleasantly surprised to find beautiful, colorful little baubles waiting for you. My creative artist friends in this group are just like that. I met them knowing only what I had heard about through a mutual friend. And, then when meeting them in person for the first time, it was like discovering a number of delightful gems that were just waiting for me. And like my glass baubles, add inspiration, and together we create fabulous things! Can't wait for our first show together. Hope you can join us.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

2009-05-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.artistsusanharris.blogspot.com
I painted "Esther" just a few days before I went to a really fun meeting with a bunch a like-minded women artists. I was amazed at the instant connection we developed in a matter of minutes. Creativity flew around the room like bees over honey. Excitement grew with each new idea and plan. This painting seems to depict this new group called "Airdrie 7" as we all show the world our collective creativity.

Susan Harris

" New Scene" Watercolor

2009-05-07T17:57:00.001-07:00

Thought we could all look forward to having these Sunflowers in our gardens again. It is that time of year! After all the snow we've had, a new scene is more than welcome! Also a big Congrats to my buds involved in getting Airdrie 7 off the ground! You are an amazing and brilliantly talented group of ladies and I for one look forward to working with you, Rhea

AIRDRIE7

2009-04-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

As a mother who has been home raising children and painting, I have found this creative life to be a solitary one. I have wanted to be a part of a group of women who had the same passion and sense of purpose in their lives, and whom I not only admired as people but as artists. And now, I have found them. The other day I began to think about the words that each of these women bring to mind for me:

Brenda - giving
Cheryl - energizing
Kristen - calming
Michelle - analyzing
Rhea - loving
Susan - discerning

And along with these words, they carry a sense of light and creativity, of professionalism and commitment, and of familiarity to me. They all teach me.

And because of this, we have joined to share and demonstrate our art with our community on May 16, 2009 from 10am - 4pm in Airdrie, Alberta. More information will be forthcoming.