Creating art works gives an aesthetic experience to both the artist and the viewer.
We live in a fascinating, mystical world. It has its beauty, but it also has its devastation. In my art works I focus on expressionistic subject matter that gives me the opportunity to explore diverse media, themes and styles. My students are also encouraged to see, experiment and express their unique selves in their work, as I do. This gives me the greatest satisfaction. I work in a variety of media with preference to watercolours and encaustics.
My career as a teacher started at 18 years of age after a six week summer course in Toronto. The second year was after another six week course in Toronto and the third year was after Teachers College. I taught all grades from KP to OAC and Special Ed - full time and part time while continuing further education and raising a family. Have now taught 65 years full time, part time and volunteer, art included, with this year being 2021.
Teaching Certificates - Elementary, then Secondary
B.A Degree - music major, visual arts minor - directed a church folk group for seven years
B. ED Degree - arts department head and visual art teacher at secondary level
Visual Arts and Physical Education Specialist Certificate and Senior Art Certificate
Volunteer Art Work - art lessons, workshops and displays at Art Gallery of Algoma, art organizations, schools (wrote grade 8 visual art course), HSCD School Board office displays, individuals and at a lodge
Volunteer Positions (Past and Present)
Present - teach art lessons at the Senior Centre and Art Gallery of Algoma
Present - on the Art Gallery of Algoma new building committee
Past - Member of the Cultural Advisory Board (on for 8 years)
Past - Algoma Art Society - president for four years and chaired some meetings
Past - The Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie & District - board member and volunteer
Past - Fall Festival of the Arts - co-ordinator, co-chaired and chaired events
Past - Winter Festival of the Arts - Art Gallery of Algoma - started and chaired first year - donated awards
Past - Sault Symphony - board member and volunteered for book sales
Past - Church - started and directed a music folk group for 7 years, was on councils and did art displays
Awards
Cultural Advisory Community Recognition Award in 2006
The Sault Ste. Marie and District Arts Council and Provincial Volunteer Recognition Awards
Art work awards at various art shows and events
Canadian Work - Glorious and Free (largest print shown above) was displayed at the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board National Trustees Convention and a print given to every provincial representative across Canada
Spring 2021 Video - Nora talking about her painting process in the Finding Joy Winter Art Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Algoma:
