Artists 2024 | Artists on the Avenue

Robert Braun

Wood turning has been Robert E. Braun’s passion for the past twenty years. Born and raised in a Northern Ontario lumber town, he developed his love of wood early in life. And, inspired by a craftsman he met in Greece who was turning his olive wood vases out of a store front studio, he was intrigued by the whole process of turning.

He prefers to turn while the wood is wet or “green” to allow it to distort and find its own shape. In addition, Robert has made over 30 of his own cutting knives. As the wood turns on the lathe, the grain patterns emerge and the adventure begins. It piques his interest to see what lies within.

Each piece he turns is chosen for its creative potential, making use of such features as burls, spalt, and bark inclusions. This ensures a unique creative result. One of his greatest pleasures is searching for exotic wood on his travels.

Bowls, vases, wall platters, and urns are examples of his work. Carving caricatures is another one of his passions.

Bob’s Woodturning
abbraun55@gmail.com | bobsworld53@gmail.com

Blair M. Thorson

Blair now lives in Spruce View, AB after many years in Whitehorse, YK. His only formal art education was in grade school giving him an appreciation of young students being exposed to art.

Blair was an Editorial Cartoonist for 6 years with Newspapers throughout the Peace Country, BC. He had over 800 editorials published and compiled select cartoons into a book.

Though Blair’s initial artistic experiences have been painting on maps and cartooning, he has found yet another avenue to express his artistic creativity. He first started Bark Carving since he moved to Spruce View and is thoroughly enjoying the new experience. The wood material is local and he is enjoying foraging for it throughout the year.

Blair M. Thorson | blairthorson.com

Raevyn Berg

I was born and raised in Alberta and have spent the majority of my life surrounded by the enriching beauty that is our natural backyard. I am compelled to venture to the Rocky Mountains whenever I need a spiritual recharge. I enjoy every moment being in the wilderness, especially when I get the opportunity to sit by a flowing body of water.

My desire to be immersed in nature has made me an avid wildlife enthusiast, particularly when it comes to understanding the impacts people have on wildlife populations. I’ve spent hours and hours mesmerized by the behaviors and antics of other living beings on our planet. Painting animals has been one of my most rewarding subjects, as I love showing the expression of their soul through my art, as well as reminding people that they too, exist.

I’ve been painting professionally for a few years now and always pursue greater excellence as my style emerges and my artistic journey continues.

raevynberg@gmail.com

West Country Writers’ Ink

Since its inception in 2000, the West Country Writers’ Ink has provided a forum for writers to share their work with other writers, discuss the experience of writing, and encourage each other to keep writing!

Some members had never written a ‘creative’ word before joining the group, while others were members of various other writing groups or had works accepted in various publications.

“More Selections from West Country Writers’ Ink” is a Centennial edition; both a commemoration of Alberta’s 100th Birthday (1905 – 2005) and a celebration of writing by the members of the West Country Writers’ Ink (2000 – 2005). Includes selections by Brian Bradley, Margaret Corbet, Myrtle Grovet, Helen Hoszouski, Victor Jensen, Betty Murphy, Ron Bradley, Orpha Donnelly, Maria Haubrich, Diamantina Hurren, Evelyn Lewis, and Vivia Oliver.

“Poems” is a collection that includes contributions from Ron Bradley, Brian Bradley, Vic Jensen, Betty Murphy, Myrtle Grovet, Helen Hoszouski, Orpha Donnelly, and Evelyn Lewis.

Blake & Anu MacInnis

at Fensala Hall

Blake and Anu here from Second Nature Studio in Dickson, Alberta! We’re new to the area and very happy to share our craft with everyone!

I’m an electrician from Nova Scotia and she is the kindest accountant from Mumbai, and we’re most often found working on one of many projects at our new home or chasing our dog Sue around!

A little story about how this began:

Candle making came first to help warm up our new very old, very cold home. Started by refilling old candles before we started to really get into making them from scratch. As we dove into the science of candle making we quickly found what we liked and what worked best.
All natural clean burning coconut soy wax, wood wick that burns so beautifully and packaged in a useful cozy mason jar that could be found in any of our homes! Available in 8oz and 16oz.

Then came making our own cold process soap! From the very first batch we knew we had a new passion on our hands! We’ve since refined 12 wonderful hand and body bars that are uniquely captivating with every use!
Every bar is specialized including natural fruit extracts, luscious shea/ cocoa butters, food grade oils, real flower petals, activated charcoal, natural exfoliants and more!!
Guaranteed to enjoy!

Bath bombs are a really great way to get our epsom salt in and baths for all around self care!
Our first batch came at the request of a friend’s child who wanted a little toy pressed into his bath bomb and we were happy to help!

Soap Coasters! Hand made epoxy soap coasters with incredible natural touches throughout every piece! Very eye catching, a beautiful touch for any bathroom!