Artist Shannon Thiesen, shown here after receiving the 2016 Young Distinguished Alumni award from the University of the Fraser Valley, has a new digital exhibit running Aug. 7-28 through the Abbotsford Arts Council. (Photo: University of the Fraser Valley)

Digital art exhibit features work of Abbotsford teacher

Shannon Thiesen of ASIA North Poplar is a former B.C. Art Battle winner

The Abbotsford Arts Council and Kariton Art Gallery present a new digital exhibition featuring the work of Shannon Thiesen from Aug. 7 to 28.

To celebrate the opening of the show, titled Floating en Plein Air, an event titled Paint Mill Lake! takes place Sunday, Aug. 8 at Mill Lake Park.

Artists and dabblers of all levels are welcome to participate. Participants are invited to pick up a canvas from Kariton Gallery (2387 Ware St.) between 9:30 and 10 a.m., find their favourite spot in the park and paint away.

Finished pieces can then be dropped of at the gallery by 2 p.m. to be shown from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants are entered to win one of two $25 gift cards to the House of Fine Art (HOFA) art supplies.

RELATED: Abbotsford teacher and artist receives Alumni Award from UFV

Drop-ins are welcome, but canvases are limited. The cost of the event is by donation, and spots can be booked by following the links under “events and programs” at abbotsfordartscouncil.com.

Thiesen’s exhibit can also be viewed on the website under “Kariton Art Gallery” and “now showing.”

Thiesen is a Grade 5 teacher and visual arts specialist at Abbotsford School of the Integrated Arts (North Poplar).

Live painting competitions saw Thiesen representing B.C. at the 2016 and 2017 Art Battle Canada National Championships in Toronto.

She is also the 2016 Young Distinguished Alumni award winner from the University of the Fraser Valley and the 2016 Abbotsford Arty Award winner in visual arts.

Abbotsford News