In the September of 2004 my family and I arrived in Saskatoon from the UK. Saskatoon felt like home right from the very minute we drove into town past what is now Blairmore and Kensington. We were welcomed by everyone we met, and have been inspired by this beautiful city where we knew absolutely no one and have been fortunate enough to make so many friends, and it has been possible for me to explore the possibilities for my creative endeavours.
My father and uncle were both amazing artists and that was a tough one to live up to. I would sit in high school art classes and compare myself to the other students. I gave up, packed away the art supplies and really never spoke of art again for many many years.
These early experiences have shaped the art instructor I am today. There is beauty in every single artwork and my job is to empathize with and encourage the student to reach their full artistic potential.
Before Funky Artsmiths I volunteered in the local school providing art instruction for students in grades
K- 8 and made it my mission to empower the teachers in learning techniques and ideas too - hoping that when I was no longer in their classroom they could confidently teach art themselves.
In my spare time I love to paint with watercolour and spend time reading. I enjoy learning and continuing to educate myself, taking art classes at the university, online and in the community in order to be the best artist and teacher I can.
It is my greatest privilege to get to know students, their families and the larger community through the world of art and I look forward to many more art adventures in the future.
Karen
Funky Artsmiths 2014-2018
In 2014, the birth of Funky Artsmiths there were two of us - Karen & Katharine. Apparently we looked alike and sounded alike even though one of us was Canadian by birth and the other was a recent citizen with a British accent. We met when our own children were students in elementary school. We quickly realized a shared a love of art, completely contrasting tastes in music and a fondness for drinking tea, our favourite times were those spent creating art whilst drinking more tea!
Together we founded Funky Artsmiths working side by side, sharing that love of art with students of all ages.
Katharine moved to Kentucky, USA in 2018, enjoying the warmer weather and her new passion as an adhd coach.
We still meet, drink tea, paint our nails and have lots of fun - but now it's via FaceTime :)