Gracie Kars Gallery

I grew up on a dairy farm in the small town of Balmoral, where it always seemed like there was plenty to do. My parents immigrated from Holland after the war; they met in Elm Creek. Eventually they purchased a farm and raised four children.

I vividly remember the first time I drew anything - it was on my mother's wallpaper, and I absolutely loved it. My mother however, was less then pleased, which led to the introduction of a sketch pad.

The first painting i created was in seventh grade. My principal entered it into a contest in Quebec, where it earned third place out of all entries across Canada. I was awarded a pair of binoculars and a large kit of oil paints which impressed me greatly.

While my mother supported my artists pursuits, my father was less encouraging. Later on, when I had my daughter, I put art aside completely; I was too busy raising her and working multiple jobs. I returned to painting after my mother passed away. It has been a therapeutic outlet, and I find great joy it it, just as I once did.