Featured Artist Val Enders

Please come in and view Val Enders' amazing work. It will be on display from August 14-3st. The artist will be on site for her reception August 25th from 1-4pm

BIOGRAPHY

I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to Alberta at the age of eight. A long-time resident of Spruce Grove, I have seen how this city has grown and become a thriving community for arts and culture. After retiring from the work force, I became interested in pursuing art as a result of a watercolour class put on by a local artist.

I am interested in all facets of creating art and have tried my hand at numerous mediums including watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, graphite, colored pencil, and sculpture. In 2014 after learning about Zentangle (a meditative art form), I travelled to Rhode Island, USA, to enroll in a teaching seminar. I became a Certified Zentangle Teacher after successfully completing the required classes and taught at the North Edmonton Seniors Association for two years.  I have since taught classes at the Allied Arts Council as well as in my home, and I have participated in Alberta Culture Days.

My art consists of subjects which catch my imagination and call out to be created and experimented with.  I can’t say that I have a favourite medium, as each one dictates what a piece of artwork should be done in. I love them all. I move from one medium to the next as my spirit wills me, and I will continue to explore new kinds of methods and art products.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artwork is a calming influence on my life. I paint, draw, and create to give my body, mind, and soul a place and chance to rejuvenate. Creativity keeps me grounded, and in today’s world, it’s difficult to remain steadfast in the ideals and things that are important. Art helps me to release the stress from the everyday bombardments of worldly situations that I have no control over.

It’s nice to be recognized by my peers for a painting or creative endeavour well done, but I strive to encourage others to pick up the brush, pen, or pencil and coax out the artist within themselves.