Carol Zarudenec Smith

I am a senior citizen who was an editor and writer for the Townies magazine for about five years and thoroughly relished being a part of such a worthwhile, local historical magazine. I was saddened by its unfortunate demise. I received numerous compliments on this special magazine over the years. I have also been published in Downhome magazine and several times in Senior Lifetimes. I have been a journalist for Local 2 for over two years now and truly enjoy covering various events and providing our readers with interesting articles and snapshots for online publication.

Last year, I became a member of the Algoma Arts Society and the Northern Ontario Arts Association and have some of my artwork on the Algoma Arts Society website as well as the Arts Council website for Art of the Day. www.algomaartsociety.ca and www.ssmarts.org

I have been drawing since I could hold a crayon. In my teens, my parents encouraged me to paint with oils, experiment with charcoal and sketch with pen and ink and pencils. I loved the brilliant colours of oil paints but today only use acrylics. I paint whatever interests me or presents a challenge. My pet portraits are very popular. Presently, I am trying to provide enough canvases for upcoming craft shows and hopefully my own art show in the future. I find it exhilarating to have more time to dedicate to writing and painting now that I am retired. I feel I am truly blessed with both God-given talents.

I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie in what I consider God's country with its rugged, endless and breathtaking landscapes that not only run along the shores of Lake Superior but into the forested interior and into our many lakes, rivers and streams. There is definitely limitless motivation for any outdoor photographer or en plein air (in the open air, painting outdoors) artist. It's like being in a candy store with so many choices for that perfect scenery to transfer onto a photograph or canvas.

Sault Ste. Marie has it all for every enthusiast whether you’re an artist, boater, cyclist, fisherman, photographer, rock climber, skier, snowmobiler or walker on the hub trail. I feel very blessed to live in this year round active community that abounds with things to do in every season.