This is what Mayor Mandy Martin had to say:

“What an interesting mix of realism and artistry! It’s masterful: the bird is so lifelike you expect the feathers to ruffle with your breath as you bend to study the detail. Yet, the technical in no way outweighs the charm of the larger-than-life portrait of one of our natural neighbours.”

On April 28, 2025, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the SOTH workshop facilitated by Steve Rose, featuring the style of Richard Diebenkorn.

This was my first workshop experience, and the first one SOTH has offered after a hiatus of a number of years.  In the past, SOTH has had several workshops feeding the artist members, and this one did the same for me.

Steve Rose added a lot to my enjoyment of the day.  He did a great job of sharing his knowledge and expertise with the group, and he left plenty of room for our comments and questions.  I was also impressed by his ability to “switch gears” as he circulated around the room, helping us one-on-one.

The venue and caliber of facilitator were excellent, and I look forward to attending another SOTH workshop.

Heather Tyson

By Lynda Todd

As a legally blind artist navigating the vibrant, complex world of visual expression, I have come to appreciate not only the creative process but the vital role that community and opportunity play in shaping a career in the arts. Spirit of the Hills Art Association (SOTH) has been a cornerstone in my development as an artist, providing encouragement, inspiration and space to grow.

When I joined SOTH, I did not yet realize how this collective of artists, writers, and supporters would influence my path. What I found was a welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic environment—one that did not see my disability as a barrier but as a unique lens through which I could create and share my story

“Although I’m relatively new–I’ve been a member for about two years–SOTH has inspired me to take up art again.  I drew and wrote fiction and poetry when I was young, but stopped when adulting began. 

Then, when I joined SOTH, I saw the work of the many visual artists in the group and thought yes, the time has come to create art again. “

Karen Walker

Spirit of the Hills first began in 2000 and, now, in 2025 it has become a vital link to so many writers like myself. Right from the start, the monthly writers meetings enriched and encouraged us and our numbers steadily grew. I counted on these monthly “encouragement” injections, as well as the camaraderie and support my writer colleagues provided. To listen, each month, to what other writers were working on was a huge impetus to me who, since my first book publication in 1981 had coped, sometimes not well, with countless rejections. After a given meeting, I always felt rejuvenated – ready to work on new stories and send out rejected manuscripts once again. By 2000, I had seven book publications and well over fifty rejections.

Now, in 2025, my published books number fifteen and, if I include short fiction and poetry in literary magazines, the number increases to fifty-one. I was amazed when I added them up! I still receive rejections, two just recently but they don’t bother me anymore. I do know my determination and my late husband’s support played a large part in my success but so have all you members of the SOH Writers Group.

Most recently, we writers were given the opportunity to choose Cobourg Art Club paintings that spoke to us and write a poem in response. I was fortunate to have two of these ekphrastic poems displayed with two paintings in the annual art show held at the Cobourg Public Library in April.

Hearty congratulations Spirit of the Hills!

                                                                                                Linda Hutsell-Manning