Susan Schaefer Opens New Studio
PREPARES FOR EXHIBITION: FROM THE PRAIRIES TO THE WEST COAST...

Canadian painter Susan Schaefer of Young at Art Studios has opened a new studio at “The Studio in Qualicum Bay” to prepare for an upcoming show at The Old School House in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia this coming October.

Susan has been a painter in acrylics and watercolours since she first converted an old grainery on her father's farm in south eastern Saskatchewan when she was a young girl. She attended several classes in painting and design at the University of Alberta while working full time for the Alberta government. In the early 1980's she enrolled in a summer class at the Emily Carr College of Art & Design in Vancouver. That was one of the pivotal points in her life. She subsequently moved to Toronto where she became immersed in the graphic design world and learned the print industry serving artists & galleries and publishing a magazine.

In 1999 she returned to her roots in Saskatchewan where she started Young At Art Studios, publishing several new magazines, painting and running a successful graphic arts business. In 2007, she moved to Vancouver Island to be with her partner Jeff Shields to start a new adventure, paint and to experience the west coast.

Susan Schaefer is the publisher of Island Arts Magazine, a quarterly magazine featuring the artists of the West Coast. She is also the founder, organizer and host of the Annual Island Arts Expo held at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay the first weekend of November.

Susan draws on her experiences from her extensive travels, scuba diving, photography, and graphic design for inspiration in her paintings. Her work includes landscapes, seascapes, florals, forest and underwater scenes, and old buildings. Her work is often described as “colourful and bright with pure bold colours”.

The public is invited to attend an Open House at her new studio from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday March 19th and Sunday 20th, 201, located at 5320 W. Island Highway. The works of local artist Cindy Mawle are also featured.