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Vanderhoof artist asks people to explore their creative side

Magdalena Saito has been recognized at the Street Art Show this month.
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Magdalena Saito stands infront of her paintings at the Street Art Show in Vanderhoof. (Aman Parhar/Omineca Express)

A well-known Vanderhoof artist who encourages people to explore their creative side is being featured at the Street Art Show in March.

The paintings are displayed on the windows of the arts room of YMCA- Community Centre building.

“Take the challenge to try. Explore different things because you might be surprised by what you find,” Magdalena Saito, Vanderhoof artist, said.

Saito got into the arts when she was a child, but as she grew older she realized she needed a career, so she pursued medicine.

READ MORE: From abstract to acrylic: Vanderhoof artist shares her love for paintings

Saito said the biggest change came when she travelled to Edmonton and told an old teacher about her doctorate degree.

“But, what about your art?,” questioned Gołębiowski, Saito’s teacher.

The support of art teachers at school and an opportunity of doing restoration work at the local church, helped Saito continue with her artsy work.

“Now, I make time to do art,” she said.

Saito likes experimenting, exploring and seeing the work of other artists because she feels it is amazing what some artists can achieve.

“I want to try all sorts of variety,” she added.

Due to the ongoing restrictions due to COVID, art space is not accessible. She said she is eagerly waiting to have her paint classes again.

Saito was also instrumental in organizing the Anonymous Art Show hosted by the Nechako Community Arts Council for the past two years. NCAC will be hosting the art show again this year in September, and Saito said she is hoping more people participate in 2021. The show is geared towards finding artists in the region and giving them a platform to promote their work.

Saito, who is also a holistic health practitioner, dreams of getting a big performing arts centre or a gallery in Vanderhoof.

The Vanderhoof Street Art Show is an initiative by the Nechako Community Arts Council.

READ MORE: “Birch bark basket making is a traditional way of life”: Artist, Saik’uz First Nation