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When we held the May 1 opening of the exhibition showing the wonderful work by our members, we were delighted that our instructor Kate Carson attended. Kate had been battling ovarian cancer for a few years and two week after the opening, Kate has died. We were so fortunate she was able to see the paintings resulting from her tutelage. She is shown at left receiving the flowers from her happy newcomers. Kate Carson was born and raised in Victoria, BC. Her love for art making came later in life after taking a painting class with Michelle Miller. Kate knew then she had found her passion, inspiring others to uncover their creative passion.



This passion, combined with the love of traveling and experiencing different cultures took Kate to Burma, Tanzania, Italy, Bali and Australia. Where ever she lived, she taught art and immersed herself in the beauty of each unique culture. Throughout these experiences, Kate’s perception of the world has evolved and matured, leading to new expressions of art.



Her creativity was infectious. Kate nurtured and inspired all those she taught–children and adults in her workshops and classes. She and Michelle opened a small community art school – Art School Victoria in 2008 and published a drawing and painting book for ages 5+. In 2013, these artist /instructors formed MichKa Art Play, a process to stimulate the creativity in persons of all ages.



Her teaching was inspirational and for the members of the Victoria Women’s Newcomers’ Club her leadership motivated all to create art that is on exhibit (May 1-31, 2018) at the Moka House Coffee on Cook Street. Kate came on opening night to celebrate with participants. Shortly after that visit, Kate succumbed to the ovarian cancer she had so bravely battled for several years. We will miss her. She leaves some of her art in all of us who studied with her, who shared her art and who knew her as a friend. Be sure to stop in to Moka House to view the work and also to see Kate’s final work and say goodbye.

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