Artists 2025 | Artists on the Avenue

Vern Steinbrecker

I was raised on a farm north of Hanna and spent most of my life in Calgary, employed in the agricultural field and construction.

My wood turning started about 17 years ago as a personal hobby. After 7 years of building skills, I eventually began showing my work at the Farmers’ Markets around Calgary.

I moved to Sundre, Alberta in 2018 and retired a few months later. I still do a bit of wood turning but am expanding and trying different wood working.

I regularly take part in the Sundre Farmer’s Market and a few other markets; I have to keep busy!

VJS Turning

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.