I currently paint mostly abstracts. By eliminating subject matter, I am able to concentrate on pure composition, colour, texture, line, and mood.
The process of making art is layered. “Creative” of course; also daunting, frustrating, therapeutic, exhilarating, and surprising. Painting, for me, is not a straight line or a destination. It is, at best, an exploration and reflection of many other things going on in my soul!
I would rather make art than do most other things.
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Sheila Rowe’s abstract and loose representational paintings are often inspired by the beauty she finds in nature. She makes her home on a ranch south of Calgary, AB. ‘Being an artist isn’t about arriving at a formula for success. It is about landing on one rock in the stream and then stepping to the next. It is always an adventure.’
EXPERIENCE
FINE ARTIST
2004-PRESENT
Create and sell paintings inspired by abstract concepts, the natural world, and themes related to her spiritual experience.
UNCOMMON ART COLLECTIVE, FOUNDER
2025 – PRESENT
Guide the development of a collective comprised of four painters and one photographer mutually committed to creating art ‘beyond the expected’ and exploring innovative exhibiting opportunities.
ART CLUB MEMBER
2005 – PRESENT
Active involvement in the Uncommon Art Collective, The Federation of Canadian Artists, the Calgary Sketch and Painting Club, Southview Church Arts Collective, The Artpoint Gallery and Studios Society, The Calgary Artist’s Society, Artworks, & Artmatch has afforded many opportunities for leadership, participation, exhibition, sales and lifelong learning.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Journalism (First Class Honours)
Carleton University, Ottawa (1975)
Bachelor of Home Economics
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg (1974)
ART COURSES 1972 – PRESENT
Credit Courses:
Introductory Drawing, Alberta College of Art and Design, 1998
Instructor: Helena Hadala
Painting, Alberta College of Art and Design, 2006
Instructor: Richard Brown
Non-Credit instructors:
Michael Shemchuck, Terri Froelich, Susan Melrath, Bobbi Dunlop, Nicholas Wilton, Jed Dorsey, Ian Roberts, Brian Atyeo, Jean Pederson, John Poon, Gary Olson, Isabel Hunt-Johnson, Ann Perodeau, David More, Barbara Milne, Dulcie Foo Fat.
Instruction has included numerous landscape, still life and abstract courses utilizing a variety of media. Sheila’s work today focuses on acrylic paint and collage.
EXHIBITIONS
2026 Liminal Space, Juried Group Exhibition with the Uncommon Art Collective/Alberta Society of Artists (ASA), Main Gallery/ Calgary, AB.
2025 – present Calgary Sketch & Painting Club, Fall & Spring show, Calgary, AB.
2024 – present Federation of Canadian Artists
Beautiful BC (2025), Vancouver
On the Edge (2025 online), Vancouver
Juried Fall and Spring shows (2024/25/26) Calgary, AB.
Abstracted Exhibition ( 2024 online), Vancouver
2019 Rosebud Gallery, Rosebud, AB.
2018/19 Curated Emerging Artists, The Ranchmen’s Club, Calgary, AB.
2017-18 Artworks, Dewinton Community Centre, Dewinton, AB.
2005-2015 Artpoint Gallery and Studios Society, Calgary, AB.
seven one-woman shows, member shows, Eastside studio crawl
2005 The Artist’s Window, Calgary Exhibition & Stampede, Calgary, AB.
Calgary Artist’s Society, Calgary, AB.
Bohemian Extravaganza, Triangle Gallery, Calgary, AB.
Art in the City/Art in the Sanctuary, Vancouver, BC
COLLECTIONS
2024 – Present, Sirocco Golf Course
2015 -2018 Ikkuma Resources
Velvet Energy
Gilker McRae Ltd.
AWARDS 2024 Federation of Canadian Artists, Fall Show, Honourable Mention
2024 Federation of Canadian Artists, Spring Show, 2nd Place Honours
CHARITY AUCTIONS/DONATIONS
2005 – Present
Recipients of artwork include Foothills Country Auction, Christian Indigenous Development Overseas, Guatemala Housing Project (Bonavista Baptist Church), Haddasah-Wizo fundraiser, Kelowna Christian School.
TIME WELL SPENT
2007-2008 Crossroads Television; Senior Producer, Host, Top Story.
1999 Educational Video Narrator
1975-1989 CBC Radio & Television: various roles as producer, host, reporter, commentator, panelist; Winnipeg, MB, Windsor, ON., Calgary, AB. Final assignment as co-host, The Calgary Eyeopener (morning show), Calgary, AB.
2003-2007 Calgary Herald; freelance writer
1994-2008 Guest Speaker/Seminar leader; media and spiritual topics
1975 – present; International travel: Greece, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, China, Japan, Philippines, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Switzerland, Mexico, United States, Kenya
1981 – present; Various volunteer roles and Board directorships