Karen Scarlett

The fall weather was warm enough for us to enjoy an outdoor art talk with Karen Scarlett during the coffee gathering at Kaffistofa on October 5th, 2024.

Karen is part way through her Artist Residency stay at the Buttermaker’s House and wanted to share some of her process and progress on the four art pieces she is working on that are tied to her stay in Markerville.

Karen touched on her early years growing up on the family farm near Innisfail, and of the artistic influence she received from her Mom, Dad, and Grandma Scarlett. Creativity is a lifelong adventure for her, and has always been a vital part of life.

After the morning coffee goodies were passed around by d’Arcy Gamble, Karen showed us various artwork she’s currently painting, as well as described her plans for works based on the Church and the Ice House (with ideas percolating for two more, one of which could be the Buttermaker’s House).

Karen finished her talk with a short demonstration of watercolour painting for some eager spectators, both adults and kids!

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, and the way Karen was able to discuss the process and concepts to be easily understood by the layman.

You can find out more about Karen’s artwork on her website: karenscarlett.com

Excerpt from Karen’s Proposal: “My practice centers around the prairie and the magic it provides. With a focus on vivid landscapes and structures that reflect the cultural essence of a place. I plan to use painting and drawing as a primary medium to capture the unique features of Markerville’s local spaces, such as the Creamery, the Fensala Hall, the Ice House, the bridge and river too. These structures/spaces not only serve as representations of Icelandic settlement but are also symbols of resilience, community, and the pioneering spirit of the Icelandic immigrants who helped build them. My hope is the pieces I create during my stay reflect these characteristics.”

Scarlett is a multidisciplinary artist. Besides fine art, Karen also instructs, consults and creates murals including leading community groups to create a vision for their unique space.

Karen lives in Innisfail, Alberta. You can find her work in private, corporate and public art collections around the world.

Buttermaker’s House Artist Residency is supported by Red Deer County and Alberta Foundation for the Arts. An award is available to qualified applicants, sponsored by INLNA (Icelandic National League of North America).

https://www.historicmarkerville.com/buttermaker-house.html

Photos from Sept 28 Gala

The Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society’s 50th Anniversary Gala was a labour of love from the committee members and volunteers!
Bernice, Marlene, John, Pam, Beth, and Donna were there right from the beginning of planning the September 28, 2024 event. The spouses and other volunteers magically appeared for the usual behind the scenes set up at Spruce View Hall. Our local smithy Doug Taylor (BrenX Artistic Blacksmithing) came through with a beautiful (and very popular) centrepiece for the 20 tables. d’Arcy & Al Gamble kept the Brennivin flowing with “first the Herring, then take a drink.”
The evening was in good hands under the care of Laurel Corbiere, our Master of Ceremonies, who kept everything on track; and the Spruce View 2025 Grads did a wonderful job serving the meal under the guidance of Jaye Hillman.
After the fun, feast, and fanfare was over, it was wonderful to see the West Central Wranglers 4H and Rangeland Beef 4H arrive just in time for the event take down and cleanup.

Fjallkona

The Master of Ceremonies Laurel Corbiere began with her opening remarks, and then introduced Kathleen Raines, the 2024 Alberta Fjallkona, to give an address to the SGSIS 50th Anniversary Gala attendees on September 28, 2024.

Supper

Before the formal dinner began several attendees and representatives presented greetings, including President John McKechnie, the Honourable Earl Dreeshen, Mayor Jim Woods, and Councilor Brent Ramsay. Karen Gummo read one of Stephan G.’s poems in Icelandic and then in English; followed by Grace given by Ellen Ingolfsson in Icelandic.
I’ve also included some photos of the meal (along with requested gluten free options) with a warm Thank You to Milly Oak Café & Catering (Derek Layden), Jaye Hillman, and the Spruce View 2025 Grads.

Magic of Markerville

Earlier in the evening there was a poem reading by Karen Gummo. After the meal we enjoyed a performance of three pieces by Harpist Janet Lutz.
Following the Interlude, Bernice Andersen and Marlene Linneberg gave a presentation of “The Magic of Markerville”, sharing the history of Markerville and SGSIS in story and slides, with the assistance of Brooke Henrikson on projector.
Closing out the evening was an encore performance by Clicquot Trio (Brian Niblock, Claire Butler, and Stefano Valdo)

Silent Auction

Throughout the night at the 50th Anniversary Gala held September 28, everyone had a chance to place a bid for their favourite Silent Auction item displayed along the far wall. At the end of the evening, bids were closed and the winners declared.

Appetizer

The SGSIS 50th Anniversary Gala was held on September 28, 2024 at the Spruce View Hall and has provided many wonderful memories for everyone who took part. The special Scandinavian appetizer at the start of the three course meal was definitely an exquisite highlight: Rullapylsa on dark rye bread with perfect garnishes.

Appetizer group for the SGSIS 50th Anniversary Gala, back row left to right is Smorgasbord Chef Michele Johannson, Marie Sveinson, Wendy Larsen; and in front Jill Johannson and Charla Kure.

Photos submitted by Bernice Andersen and Marie Sveinson.