At the recent Amazing Airdrie Women gala I was honoured to be the recipient of the Amazing Cultural Ambassador award sponsored by Vitreous and hosted by airdrielife magazine. It has been such a privilege to be able to contribute to the growth of Arts & Culture in my community throughout the years but could not do so without the support of my friends and family. I believe that a community with a strong art and cultural base is a happier and healthier place for everyone and I am so grateful that our City has embraced it.
Bert Church High School was also the recipient of the Amazing Workplace Award which included a painting that I created and titled 'Celebration'...it featured high school graduates tossing their caps, the school colours and logo. I wanted to celebrate the fact that it is the teachers and administration at schools that support and guide our students toward their future endeavours. Two teachers that made a huge impact on me were my high school English & Art teachers, Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Roth. They both helped me to believe that I had talent and I am still so grateful for them both.
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My Christmas gift to you...
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Several years ago, some of my paintings were printed onto merchandise, such as this scarf/sarong. I happen to have an extra and thought I would like to share it as my Christmas gift to someone. It is based on my painting titled 'Abide' and measures 54"x54" and I've found that mine works great as a coverup...I use mine as a sarong skirt or crossed over in the front and tied behind my neck as a little dress which has been perfect for vacation. If you are interested in being included in the draw, please let me know!
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A huge THANK YOU to all of the beautiful women who have begun sharing their stories and photographs with me for the upcoming 'Woman's Work' project in 2022. I've begun preparing 8x10 inch gallery canvases and cannot wait to begin. If you are interested in contributing or know of someone who might be interested, please do forward this information along:
Throughout the pandemic I have spoken to several women & read much about job losses that have disproportianately affected women. Whether due to family obligations, company downsizing or other means, it has changed the course of life for so many women.
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I lost all of my in-person teaching and several exhibit opportunities. But, thankfully it also created time to focus on my painting & studies & to accept an invitation to mentor other artists through LevellingUp.
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If you are one of those women in Canada who has lost employment, I would love to paint your portrait & share your story (all I need is a sentence or two). If you know someone, please share this with them as I believe these stories are important.
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#WomansWorkProject
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Home Again / 6x8 / acrylic on panel (framed)
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This painting is on its way to the Federation Gallery in Vancouver for the exhibition that will run in January. On the back of this painting is another titled 'Annie's Place' (see below) because I love the idea of being able to change out the art with just a flip. It will be available through the gallery at sales@artists.ca
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I've been inspired by all the birds who have been visiting our garden this summer...it seems as though we are seeing varieties we haven't seen before and the ones we have are coming in larger groups. I'm loving it! These three paintings, 'Cedar Waxwing' (12x12), 'Barn Swallow' (20x10) and 'Blue Jay' (12x12) are now available through Lineham House Galleries in Okotoks, Alberta.
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Only 1 month left of the 'Extraordinary Women' project and also Art History classes, which almost feels a little unusual to me now that I finally feel as though I have a schedule. Thank you to everyone who shared the best suggestions for Canadian women who have made a difference in our country. I know there are so many who I have missed but I have really enjoyed painting and learning more about each of these women. To see this project so far and to learn more about the women included, please visit my website here.
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I had a beautiful drive to the country this week in order to drop off a few new paintings at Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamond, Alberta. It is the loveliest gallery to visit and where I find some of the best Christmas presents. Besides the new 'Get-Away' minis (4x4) that are based on our vintage camping supplies and the new 4x4 mini round bees, I also dropped off framed 6x8 inch paintings. 'Near the Fire' (green chair) is on the front of the panel while 'Tea Time' is on the back; 'Comfort' (red sofa) is on the second panel with 'Annie's, Too' on the back. I love the idea of being able to switch out a painting. There are a few mini 4x4 hearts, moons and square bees available as well.
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The next session of LevellingUp will begin in the new year and so, there is a current waitlist being created for those interested. My sessions include information on:
- submissions (creating a portfolio, markets & galleries)
- social media (ie. website, instagram)
- writing (statement, biography, articles)
- business (photography, finance, planning & budgeting
- plus a couple of demonstrations.
This is the infomation I struggled to find early on in my career and I love to share it with others. We meet online monthly for 2 hours, I do give homework but it is not required, and LevellingUp members have access to artist panels (I will be joining one in January about creating a series/body of work), and mid-month meetings with your group for support and encouragement. The meetings are also recorded so that they can be accessed in between each session. For more information, please visit https://www.levellingup.ca/veronica-funk-mastermind/
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