Karen Blanchet

Karen Blanchet, is a full time artist and one of the main artists contributing to the murals of Legal. She grew up in Australia, but has found her soulmate in Alberta. Currently  living in Legal, where she has commenced “Blanchet Fine Arts School” in 1990. Karen has a Bachelor of Arts, an honors in french and certificate in teaching.  She is the director at the Galarie Inspirations Gallary. Awards for Karen Blanchet include ACFA-Centralta Bourse, Bon Accord Exhibit and Doghide River Festival.

Karen Blanchet has always loved art. Her mom would give her all kinds of materials to work with. “She put pencils in my hands and I drew, and I always loved drawing and painting.”

Karen did not always paint. There was a period in her life where a career in art did not exist instead she went to university to become a lawyer. Law did not suit so she managed a bachelor of arts instead. Later she took a post-graduate course and acquired a Profession A Teaching Certificate..

During Karen’s short teaching period, she was assigned art classes to middle school students.  As there was no official art curriculum at the time, Karen created her own syllabus. When the provincial government of Saskatchewan released their official art program little over a year later, Karen was pleased to see that she already covered all the requirements in her art class. She had managed to create a sufficient art program before the government.

Her husband realized she was constantly drawing and encouraged Karen to pursue her interest. Now a full-time artist, Karen gives lessons to the community, and in 1998, she was commissioned to paint her first mural on the subject of the Grey Nuns.

“I had never, ever [painted] anything that size, but I’ll tell you what: it cured me of small!”

Since then, Karen has painted five murals in Legal, but nine in total.

While Karen’s artistic style has gone through many changes over years, one thing that remains consistent is her unique signature. Instead of signing her name, she writes: “In the Glory of God”. When asked of the origin of her motto, Karen explains, “I find that today’s contemporary art has so much suffering in it, that we don’t need more ugly. We need more beauty and hope. So I’m hoping my work actually shows that. With the grace of God, we can overcome just about anything.”

Art and religion are both very important aspects of Karen’s life. She enjoys painting people and scenery. Some of her favorite mediums include oils, watercolors and mixed media. When not painting, Karen enjoys reading and enriching herself in church-orientated activities, especially theology. She is looking into a career of art mentoring and is excited for the new direction her life has taken, aimed towards God and religious beliefs.