Wednesday, March 14, 2007 · Page 13 Painter believes in healing through art BY DANIEL SCHWAB McGregor artist Lynda Moffatt believes in the healing power of the arts. Until the end of the month, her "healing series" of art works will be on display at the Essex Library. Using a variety of paints acrylics, watercolours, oils and airbrushing Moffatt has created works that she will soon combine with poems to self-publish a book this summer titled, Healing Through the Arts. "It seems like every time I go through a healing process, I create a picture for someone and it turns out to be my best work," Moffatt said. Already an experienced art therapy instructor, Moffatt said she plans to further pursue teaching in the area of healing through the arts. Teaching at a gallery in Ohio where she lived for 23 years, Moffatt worked closely with cancer patients, encouraging their out what you deal with, whether it's patience or it's through the death of a loved one." Not only is she a prolific artist painting eight to 12 hours per day in her McGregor studio, but as a teacher, Moffatt is also a strong supporter of the underdog. "I had a lot of good people behind me that believed in me (in Ohio), so when I hear someone say that no one believes in them, that's the one I want to go after and say `I believe in you,'" she said. It was this type of confidence and a firm belief in the importance of following a dream that gave Moffatt the courage to open her studio and make art her full-time job when she moved back to Essex County in 2001. "Most people would've never tried it," she said. "I think if you see your own vision and just go after it and don't let anything stop you, you're going to do it." She further developed her skills painting murals for the City of Windsor Art Studio Project in 2004, where she studied a number of different mediums, Local artist Lynda Moffatt poses with an airbrushed self-portrait at the Essex Library last week. Moffatt's "healing series" of art works will be on display at the library until the end of the month. healing process through painting. "It's amazing what comes out of art," she said. "I think it helps you work through your own problems and you don't have to even voice them to other people if you don't want to. It doesn't matter what you're painting. Every piece is a problem solver. You find Get serious about managing your diabetes The Canadian Diabetes Association invites all area residents to attend a free educational forum from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Center for Seniors on March 21. This free forum will not only teach participants how to get serious about diabetes but will also give each participant a voice to speak out and stand up for all Ontarians. Discussing how to get serious about type 2 diabetes and the ABC's of diabetes will be Dr. Arthur Kidd, endocrinologist and Chief of Staff at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital. Joining Dr. Kidd will be National Advocacy Committee volunteer Shawn Shepheard, who will teach participants how to speak out to demand the best treatment and supplies. Shirley Shuttleworth, a Windsor area resident living with type 2 diabetes, will share her personal experience living with diabetes. To register or find out more about this event, call 519-253-1797, ext. 223 or 222. The Centre for Seniors is located at 635 McEwan Avenue in Windsor. More than two million Canadians have diabetes, and this number is expected to increase dramatically as the population ages. In Windsor and Essex County there are over 48,000 people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being age 40 and over, being related to a person with diabetes, being of Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian or African descent, and being overweight or obese. The Canadian Diabetes Association works to prevent diabetes and improve the quality of life for those affected, through research, education, service and advocacy. The organization has a presence in more than 150 communities Canada. in styles and compositions. Citing Canada's Group of Seven, Robert Bateman and the great masters Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci as her favourite artists, Moffatt said her immediate plans are to try her hand at sculpture. Unlike some artists who work in a consistent style such as portraits or landscapes, Moffatt feels it is important for her growth as an artist to branch out and attempt as many styles as she can. "I've never painted the same thing twice," she said. "I would be afraid for myself to get stuck in one area and not grow as an artist." With her business, YKnot Murals and Faux Finishes, Moffatt is following the career path she's had in mind since a very early age. "When I was three I thought I'd be an artist," she said. "I guess I've always had that love and that desire. I think I've romanced other artists so much that I think I've wanted to become one." · Family Owned and Operated · Senior Discounts 16 Years+ · Free Estimates Experience · 24 Hour Service · Fully Insured CALL NOW AND WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY QUOTE. BUYING COIN COLLECTIONS 519-839-5554 or 1-888-839-5554 GOLD · SILVER · ALL COINS · MINT SETS Essex Railway Station, 87 Station St., Essex SATURDAY, MARCH 17 9 AM - 3 PM Member of the Essex County Coin Club 519-733-6296