Hellen Beamish

Available at the Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary

Born in Calgary and now a Calgary resident, Hellen has had a lifetime of experience honing her artistic talents from the Rocky Mountains to the beautiful 1000 islands area of the St. Lawrence River. Art studies in Montreal, Kingston St. Lawrence College, Brockville St. Lawrence College and ACAD on her return, were formative. While in Montreal she worked toward a BFA. Sadly a transfer to Ontario derailed that plan which had but 1.5 credits before completion. Hellen worked with textiles and design for many years and was well known for her painted and silk screened clothing and wall pieces. During her time in Ontario, she was very involved in the craft community , belonged to a group of artists that held regular studio tours and sales. Also was co-coordinator of these shows and showed in her small but professional gallery/studio. Also belonged to the Artworks group and taught various workshops for the Gananoque Craft Guild as a member/mentor. For many years she had admired fused/slumped glass and was delighted to find Tucson teaching studios where she honed her glass skills for many winters. In turn, she taught several workshops that shared her unique newly designed bowls. Consequently, today she is totally immersed in designing fused/slumped glass , creating functional glass dishes, wall art pieces and lanterns as well as Christmas décor. Her previous experience in textiles has enabled her to explore her unabashed love of colour , form and capturing the delight of light dancing with them. She is presently exploring newly learned skills that involve multiple techniques before the final slumping.

Her work has found its way to many parts of the globe, including Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Her work has been shown in Ontario, Florida, Striker Nelson Gallery in Manhattan KS, The Bowery Gallery in New York City and locally in the Sun Life Plaza, Leighton Gallery , Centennial Gallery, Art Point Gallery, 2 Motion Gallery, Motive, and the Whyte Museum in Banff. Also numerous community Art Shows.