Local artist finding her canvas

St. Vital

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This article was published 12/03/2025 (377 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Diane Rivard may not have picked up a paint brush until a little later in life, but she’s certainly making up for lost time now.

Rivard, 81, joined the St. Vital Art Group last September, and she is one of the featured artists whose work will be showcased at the group’s annual spring art show and sale.

The two-day event, which will showcase artistic creations from more than 20 group members, will be held at the United Church in Meadowood (1111 Dakota St.) on Friday, April 4 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 5 from 10 to 4 p.m. The show and sale will also include a ticket raffle, door prizes, and a bake sale and canteen on the Saturday.

Rivard explained she started painting in her 70s, when she was the caregiver to her husband and couldn’t leave their home. Since then, the St. Vital resident’s passion for painting has blossomed. She has painted with oils, but prefers acrylics. To date, the subjects of Rivard’s creations have included landscapes, seascapes, flowers, animals and people, especially children.

“When my husband was ill, and I couldn’t get out, painting helped keep me occupied,” Rivard said. “It felt very therapeutic, and it was exactly what I needed at the time. It’s good for the soul, really, and good for the spirit.”

“I’d never done anything like it before. Now, the more I paint, the more my subjects come to life.”

Rivard became familiar with the St. Vital Art Group after visiting one a previous show and sale, made some inquiries. and put her name on a waiting list to join: “I got the call in September, and was really excited.”

She said she was little intimidated attending her first class — not least because it has members of all skill levels and abilities — but she soon settled in, and says the group has become an important support network for her.

“The group has helped me so much already. The people are welcoming and friendly, and it makes you feel energized. Everybody does their own thing, and works in different mediums,” Rivard said.

“I’ve learned an awful lot already by just watching people, and people are very happy to help you and explain things to you. Everyone is very respectful of each other, and it’s as much about socializing,” she added.

“Lots of the group’s members come from the St. Vital area, and it’s certainly a community.”

Visit St. Vital Art Group on Facebook for more information.