( Betty ) I also had plans for my retirement . I , too , wanted to immerse myself in art . As a university student , I had majored in fine arts , but as my career progressed , my painting fell by the wayside . Once retired , I started to register in local workshops and discovered that several of my retired teacher friends were also closet artists . In fact , several of them were also members of the EAC , and as I became more engaged in painting , I too was invited to join — I was thrilled ! I had often attended their shows , especially in malls , and had gazed at the paintings with awe , dreaming of being able to join the club !
The EAC gave me the sense of community I had been missing since retirement . Art and new friends were often my reasons for getting up in the morning .
When Jan and I re-connected , what started as a conversation about retirement became a conversation about art . I knew Jan was an amazing artist , and in fact I had purchased one of her paintings several years prior . What I didn ’ t know was her connection to Murray MacDonald ; he , too , was an artist I admired and whose work I saw as often as possible .
Through the club and our growing friendship , Jan and I shared ideas about art , retirement , and life . We both worked with others on the celebratory plans for the Edmonton Art Club 100 Year Anniversary last year , and I learned what an important role Murray MacDonald , who joined the EAC in 1922 , had played in the early years of the club . Through our conversations , I also learned of the role he had played in Jan ’ s development as an artist and in the development of art instruction in schools . When he was Supervisor of Art for Edmonton Public Schools , he wanted children to get down on the floor and paint expressively on large paper — despite the mess ! That kind of art experience was rare at the time , but Murray often said and firmly believed that “ making art is democratic ” — meaning that the work of every child
Betty Dean : Peace of Mind — Mixed Media
should be displayed , not just what might be called the “ best work .” Murray changed the way art was taught in our city and our province and lived his belief that art is for everyone who wants to learn .
Jan Fraser continues to paint in a variety of media and to teach in Edmonton . Jan says , “ Be creative every day , and you have a reason to get up in the morning .”
Betty Dean has been painting almost full time since retiring from a career with Edmonton Public Schools . Betty is a member of the Edmonton Art Club and hosts art groups and classes .
news & views SPRING 2022 | 41