My Blog

Yekta Tarki(she,her) is an Iranian artist based in Calgary, Alberta. She is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Calgary, having previously earned both a Master of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the Tehran University of Arts. Through her research creations, she explores the relationship between humans and nature amidst environmental crises, employing art in conjunction with other sciences. She gathers scientific reports and data related to environmental issues, translating them into her visual language. Currently, her research focuses on the human-fire relationship, analyzing the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire.

As Calgary’s most recognized, award-winning Supertanguero, Mr. Leo Sato brings a unique blend of artistry and grace to everything he does. With over 20 years of experience, Leo has become a beloved and inspirational instructor, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with thousands of students. His true love lies with Tango, but in the art community he is known for his calm and encouraging Bob Ross-like demeanor, making his classes in both Tango and paint night a joyful and enriching experience. Leo has left an indelible mark on the local arts and dance community.

Yan Li is an artist with expertise in both traditional Chinese and Western art. She began studying Chinese painting and calligraphy at a young age, later expanding her skills after moving to Canada and earning a Bachelor’s in Visual Studies from the University of Calgary. Yan has worked as a freelance artist, art instructor, and is currently a Chinese Calligraphy Artist and Calligratherapist. She combines calligraphy with breathing exercises to promote well-being and collaborates on custom designs for corporate events, blending tradition with modern creativity.

Sophie's passion for the arts has always been a driving force behind her way of life. For the past 2 years, she has been dedicated to helping others develop their creative voice by working as an art teacher, paint events instructor, and volunteering at the Alcove Centre for The Arts.  With a BFA in Drawing from the Alberta University of the Arts, she has developed her creative voice as a pareidolic inkblot artist. Her work explores pareidolia—the tendency to see patterns in random visual information—such as seeing faces in tree bark, or animals in the clouds. By embracing this visual glitch, Sophie can create intricate, surreal artworks that challenge perception and invite viewers to find meaning in chaos, reflecting our constant search for life and connection in uncertain times.

Natalie Bassendowske is currently a student at the Alberta University of the Arts. In her third year, Natalie is studying character design and illustration, ultimately to graduate with a Bachelor of Design. After school, she hopes to learn more about the animation industry and work in visual development. Although she loves illustrating digitally, her first love was painting. Having taken multiple painting courses through her school years, she hopes to inspire and embrace the creativity of all who enter the studio using the skills she has developed.