Local Sylvan Lake artist and art society president Karen Filthaut recently won the advanced division award in the Alberta Community Art Clubs Association (ACACA) Vibe Show.
Receiving the award is an incredible honour, Filthaut said.
"I see it as a validation of the time, effort, and passion I pour into my work. Creating art is a personal process, so having my piece resonate with others enough to earn this award is both humbling and inspiring."
It also provides motivation to continue growing as an artist, she added.
"It reaffirms that my voice, vision, and creativity have the power to connect with people. Beyond the award, it's a reminder of why I create- to express, inspire, and share something meaningful with the world."
To create her award-winning piece, 'Under the Cloak of Winter, ' Filthaut spent a winter studying snow to capture its layers of colours, shadows, and texture.
"To effectively study the colours of snow, I took photos of a tree in my front yard casting shadows across the snow. My goal was to create an accurate colour palette based on the hues observed in the photos. I then compared these colours to the actual shadows on the snow by bringing my sample pieces outside," Filthaut said.
"The feedback I received from viewers at an art show on a similar, smaller version of this painting assured me that I had achieved my goal. I then created "Under the Cloak of Winter." This is the first opportunity I have had to show this piece in Alberta."
The ACACA Vibe online show began on March 1 and runs for the whole year.
"Each year's show is then archived and still viewable on the ACACA website," Filthaut said.
The ACACA plays a vital role in promoting the arts in Alberta, she added.
"They offer learning opportunities, encouragement, mentorship, and exhibition chances for amateur and professional artists in various mediums. The Vibe show, an online exhibition open to all members, includes five levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters, and Signature."
For the show this year, twenty artists submitted a total of 42 pieces.
On top of the online show, the ACACA sponsors three juried art shows annually, each hosted by different community art clubs, Filthaut said.
"We are excited to host the Central Zone show this year in Sylvan Lake on May 9-10. Art from the three-zone shows will be juried, with selected pieces advancing to the month-long Alberta-wide show in August. Winners from the Alberta Wide Show will proceed to the Alberta Spirit Show in September."
There are many ways to join or support the art scene in Sylvan, Filthaut said.
"I would like to encourage members of the Sylvan Lake community to check out our Art Society of which I am the President. You do not have to have any art experience, just an interest in making art."
"Our year starts in September and features eight monthly workshops on various art mediums and subjects. We participate in town events and offer opportunities for our members to show their art in various venues throughout the year."
Individuals can find out more about the ACACA on the website, acaca.ab.ca.
