Name: Heidi Smith

Artistic Biography: Heidi immigrated from Denmark as a youngster. Her art goes back to her early childhood with two paintings that grace her studio wall that she did when she was fourteen. She started painting full time in 1992 after retiring from Alberta Hospital, Ponoka, where she was a staff nurse. She moved to Spruce Grove in 1998 when she joined the AAC and served on the executive as vice president and president from 1998-2003. Continually striving to create better art, Heidi graduated from the University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension Fine Arts Certificate Program in June of 2008 under the mentorship of Jerry Heine. She was the first student to exhibit her final presentation in the Extension Gallery, which is housed in the former Hudson’s Bay in downtown Edmonton. During her studies she received the Constance McFarland and twice the Lillian Nunn Scholarships, and once again the Lillian Nunn after graduation in 2011. In 2008 she won the Sterling Award in the Advanced category from Alberta Community Art Clubs Association held at the Red Deer Museum that was juried Alberta wide which placed her into the Master Category. She has been very fortunate to have had some great tutors such as Robery Genn, Mike Svob, Michael O’Toole, Jerry Heine, Les Graf, and James Davies. Heidi is a Signature member of the Society of Western Canadian Artists (juried) and served as vice president, program director and jury director and standards. She has taught numerous workshops, put on demos, art classes to home schooled children and some private art classes. Her work hangs in the Western Provinces, Ontario, NWT, the United States, and Germany in homes, offices and permanent collections.

Artist Statement: Working in multi media, be it plein air or from photos that I have taken, I paint a variety of subject matter with a passion for colour. “Paint what you love” is my motto. My art is inspired by: Robert Genn, who started my love affair with acrylics, Mike Svob and Michael O’Toole, all Canadians, and the Group of Seven. I believe less is more and use a limited palette with loose and bold strokes. I try to capture a moment in time; a place where I like to be. My hope is that I can share this space with my viewers to enjoy, then my artistic goal has been accomplished. I really believe that art is a life-long process, that learning never ends.

Contact Information: Heidi can be contacted through the gallery at alliedac@telus.net