Artist Bio:Over thirty years with Battlefords' Community Players has given me a varied background in the performing arts as well as an outlet for my interest in writing. There is something magical in taking the words on a flat written page and turning them into something live, that you see in three dimension, hear in all its nuances, and feel in your heart. My introduction to the visual arts was through three dimensional earthy media like stone, clay and cement. Clay became my medium of choice. It is tactile and forgiving allowing one to add or subtract. When I joined ARC and moved from three to two dimension I felt the most connection with textured pieces and the tactile carving aspect of working with sculptural mediums such as modeling paste and acrylic paints. It is an exciting, magic moment when you realize you have reached a point of harmony in texture, shape, and colour that “speaks”. Something seemingly flat that appeals to more than eyes.

Artist Bio:One of my favorite childhood memories is of me and my sisters sitting at the kitchen table with our mom creating something with paper, fabric, felt, stones, dried pasta, plasticine or whatever other materials might be at hand. It is what we were encouraged to do and it is still a part of my life and necessary to my happiness and well-being. In the mid 80's I took a class on how to work with stained glass. I was entranced with the colors of glass and challenged by the uncompromising nature of the glass. Since that class I have spent many enjoyable hours designing and building windows, lamp shades and other glass items. Eventually I also began doing mosaic work using the leftover glass pieces and incorporating other found objects into my projects. The inspiration for my projects comes from my surroundings and from my own and other peoples' experiences. “Let love and beauty create what you do “(anon author) are words that inspire me to do the best work that I can. More recently I began making wire work jewelry. While it is wonderful to work with precious gems, pearls, gold and silver I also enjoy the challenge of “re-purposing” pieces of vintage jewelry, buttons, copper wire and other found items into a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece – a wearable piece of art. The birdhouse is an example of mosaic work using materials that have been collected over the years – from the beach, the garden and the house: slate, twigs, shells, stones, bark, clematis seed heads, rose hips, wasp hive material, glass nuggets. I hope that the birds will find it a suitable place to nest and that it pleases you too!

Artist Bio:I have been doing pottery for several years and now have a studio at ARC. I enjoy being around other artists. I also have been doing some painting. I love trying out new designs and colors.

Artist Bio:I made the Socialist Birds Club because I like to talk politics, economies, religion – all the dangerous topics. However, I am quiet-spoken and never disagree with anyone, especially men. I like birds but don't know any personally except for the chickadees Sharon and Merv introduced me to last fall on Finlayson Island.

Artist Bio:I've always imagined that living in a stone house would be solid, warm and inviting – especially if there was a fireplace. I chose stones for my birdhouse because CMHA Battlefords Branch is a safe, accepting place that warmly welcomes everyone. The birds flying out of the chimney are a bit of whimsy – the blue ones are for happiness. The materials are stone, natural moss, craft paint, buttons, wire and a miniature metal lock and key.

Artist Bio:I am new to painting and visual art in general. I love the feeling of putting the paint down and watching alternate realities start to emerge, either on purpose – or more commonly for me – by accident.

Artist Bio: Kamila Badura was born, raised and educated in Poland. While she received a diploma in computer science, her greater passion has been the pursuit of art. She has studied art in Poland and at the Academie de Port Royal in Paris. She learned from artists like Jeane Maxime Relange, Dean Bauche, Zachari Logan and Graham Flatt. These studies included techniques in acrylic, encaustic, pastels, and water colors as well as many others. Kamila believes that living in Italy, Quebec, Alberta and now The Battlefords has also influenced her artistic perspectives. As well as personal growth in art she loves to teach and help others find their own artistic expression. She has given classes in school working with and teaching children. Kamila offers classes to anyone interested in art.

Artist Bio: I learned to cross stitch as a very young child. My maternal grandmother was instrumental in teaching me how to cross stitch and take pride in this as an ethnic art form. Over my years it is still something that I thoroughly enjoy doing. I have cross stitched many pictures for family, friends and myself. I have just recently completed two tablecloths for my sisters at my mother's request. I find cross stitch to be a great stress reliever for me. When this project came up with CMHA I decided to do a cross stitched bird house. I was not sure how it would be accomplished but I shopped around for material that would work and once that was found I completed a cross stitch pattern that would add color to the bird house and show traditional colors used in a lot of Ukrainian cross stitch projects. The color red represents/symbolizes passion, happiness, love and cheerfulness. The color black represents/symbolizes the earth. The floral symbol is for people's willingness to look to the beauty of nature. I have been in the mental health field for 38 years as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and have worked mostly in The Battlefords, initially at Saskatchewan Hospital and for the past 12 years at Battleford Mental Health Center as a Community Mental Health Nurse.