Rural Olds resident Shauna Olsen is the featured artist of the upcoming Olds Art Club Show and Sale.
It takes place April 14 and 15 at the Evergreen Centre.
Olsen’s name may sound familiar, as back in 2008, her two daughters, Sarah and Amber, passed away in a two-vehicle collision just outside of Olds.
Since that incident, Olsen has used her art as a way to heal from the tragedies she has faced in her life.
“When I’m painting, drawing, sketching or I go into a time frame of emotion and I need to express it through my art,” she said.
Olsen’s daughters are a big influence on the work she does, and because it is almost the 10-year anniversary of their passing, she feels them more than ever.
When doing her work, Olsen feels a strong connection with her daughters, which she describes as peaceful and calming.
“I think this last year was a huge step in faith for me and my art,” Olsen said. “I would say because I’ve dived more into my art, I’ve felt closer to them.
“I can hear the girls cheering me on through this journey. My girls have always said ‘get out of bed momma! Get out of bed and start your day!’ For me, that helps put my paint onto canvas.”
In addition to the loss of her daughters, Olsen has recently battled cancer and won. She feels like she has been grounded after going through that part of her life.
“Life is short and it’s unknown,” said Olsen. “I just want to feel joy in my life and just do the things that I love: specifically art, and spending time with my grandson.”
Her family is a large part of her life and gives her the motivation to do what she does.
“My husband, son and his little family are certainly my biggest cheerleaders. When they’re here, they come and see what I’m working on," she said. “My husband is the one who encouraged me to step out with our story and my art.”
“Shauna and I have been through many tough seasons that took a lot of determination, hard work and a strong commitment to each other to persevere,” said David Olsen. “Shauna maintains a positive attitude in all she does. She inspires me to keep positive and be creative in what I do.”
Although Shauna is currently doing art full-time and does it with her daughters in mind, she didn't pick up a paintbrush again until three years after the collision.
“One of my best friends actually encouraged me to pick up a paintbrush again and it had been a few years," she said. “My best friends have certainly been a huge encouragement on this journey for me and that’s why I really started to dive into my art .”
Olsen is excited about the chance to have people from the community see how she’s overcome the hardships in her life.
“I’m super excited, I’m nervous and I’m honoured, very, very honoured,” Olsen said, “The Olds Art Club is so much fun and I was kind of shocked actually to be the featured artist.”
Her husband is also excited about it.
“I was delighted to know that Shauna was chosen to be the featured artist, it will be great for her to showcase her artistic work in our community,” he said.
Olsen will be showcasing plenty of art for sale but will also have art that is hers or will be going to family members.
Much of the work she does is done with her daughters in mind and a piece of them are a part of every work of art.
“I feel that the girls are with me every breath that I take.”
