Category: Artists 2025

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

Louise Goodfield

Louise is an award-winning poet and performer, a bestselling author, and poetry course leader originally from the UK, and now living in Red Deer, Alberta.

Her debut book, Plant Your Poetry: 365 Poems and Prompts to Grow Your Writing Habit was published in April 2024, becoming one of Canada’s most gifted poetry writing guides. She has facilitated poetry and creative writing workshops here in Canada and internationally and has words and poems have been published in multiple anthologies, magazines and journals around the world. Louise has been writing one poem a day for around two years now with a loyal following of writers from across the globe where she guides and offers her support to those wishing to share their words. She is also the co-founder of Tandem Poets, a poetry collective elevating artists work through co-authorship and collaboration.

An extract of her poetic memoir, Learning to Fall, has recently been selected by Red Deer Arts Council to feature in their short story vending machine exhibit at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery and she was recently invited to perform at Red Deer Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

You can subscribe to her Substack or follow her on Instagram for daily prompts, writing inspiration and insight.

A Poet on the Road | Linktr.ee

Wild Rose Artists

Wild Rose Artists is a creative collective of three local painters—Terresa Dersch, Kathy Knopp, and Jacalyn Carr—brought together by their shared passion for artistic expression and the natural beauty of their surroundings. Each member brings her own unique style and perspective, but together they create a vibrant and cohesive body of work that reflects their deep connection to place, creativity, and community.

Each artist began her creative journey as a watercolorist, drawn to the delicate transparency and spontaneity the medium offers. Over time, all three expanded their practice to include oil painting, captivated by its rich texture, depth, and versatility.

🎨 Terresa Dersch enjoys painting in a variety of mediums including watercolor, acrylic and oil. She finds great pleasure incorporating different techniques and styles into her work.
🎨 Kathy Knopp began her artistic journey with watercolors but always felt a pull towards oil – a medium her Mother had loved. Her works capture the everyday beauty of life on the farm, reflecting her deep connection to the land.
🎨 Jacalyn Carr creates in watercolor, oil, and pastel, drawn to the unique qualities of each medium. Deeply influenced by the beauty of nature her work often features landscapes, florals and animals.

Together, the Wild Rose Artists create a body of work that reflects both their individual voices and their collective vision. Their paintings have been featured in local exhibitions and community events, where they continue to engage and inspire through their shared love of art and nature.

Wild Rose Artists

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

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 18 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

David Todd

I’m lucky to be able to live in Markerville with my own home studio. This will be our sixth year hosting Artists on the Avenue on the front lawns of our homes on Johnson Avenue.

Since moving here, I’ve finally gotten to offer a wide range of functional work in many different styles of pottery. Using electric kilns, a gas kiln and a raku kiln there is bound to be something that you would like to take home.

There is quite a selection of bowls, cups, plates, trays, mugs, and kitchen utility pieces in both high- and mid-fired clays.

To help you remember your visit to our hamlet, Markerville souvenir mugs are offered in several different designs.

Winter offers a great opportunity for the making of my art pottery creations which are displayed in the gallery and yard. Drop in, you never know what you will find!

Otter Pottery | 74 Johnson Avenue, Markerville, AB
403-638-5177 | otter@otterpottery.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.