Naested Studio - Passport to the Arts

This year, don't play it safe!
https://passporttothearts.ca/year-of-the-fire-horse

This is Irene Naested's reinterpretation of Mary Vlooswyk's poem in the book, Living on the Prairie Fringe.
The painting is called "Dark House". Part of Mary's narrative, "Night wind goes its own way our house hollow and dark."
Hope you can find the opportunity to read the complete poem by Mary.
Let us know what might be your narrative when you view the Dark House painting.

Image selection day for the book On the Prairie Fringe: Mary and Irene worked together to create the latest book of poetry and art.
https://passporttothearts.ca/fringe-art-by-irene

Living on the Prairie Fringe features poetry and art from Mary Vlooswyk and Irene Naested. The book invites you to examine the fluid meaning of the fringe and uses art to reinterpret poetry about the natural conditions and environments around us.
https://passporttothearts.ca/living-on-the-prarire-fringe

Mary and Irene have completed a new book, due out in February. Watch for event details scheduled in May & June coming on the website.
https://passporttothearts.ca/new-year-new-book

Create the Day, Create Every Day. Best to you in the new year for 2026.
On the road to happiness, it's not a straight yellow brick road.



Mary and I have just completed a new book of art and poetry called "Living on the Prairie Fringe". We will be having a book launch and other events in the new year celebrating the publication. Hope you can join us.



Best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy new year. Enjoy the journey on your yellow brick road!
https://passporttothearts.ca/create-the-day-2026

December 1st marked the first anniversary of Jesper's passing. Jesper's friend Jim, along with Irene, hung a sailing Santa ornament on his columbarium plaque when they went for a visit. It's been a long year.


https://passporttothearts.ca/jespers-sailing-santa

Publication of Light as it Falls: Come Dance with Me is a second edition which was listed in the best seller list in the Calgary Herald. The book is a provocative journey through shadows and light. Dr. Irene Naested says she “fears the blank canvas and white paper.” Her fear has become our joy as we travel with Irene through her artwork and words in search for balance, flow and self expression to create artifacts. Through a combination of her art and photography and her words and the words of others, Irene has created a captivating collage of philosophical questions and response. The vulnerability presented is both familiar and refreshing as we move with Irene from her state of questioning, almost rebellious defiance of mounting years, to acceptance.
https://passporttothearts.ca/irenes-latest-book-light-as-it-falls-come-dance-with-me-summary

A successful 2025 season closes and we look forward to next year's show & sale! Many thanks to all who...
https://passporttothearts.ca/see-you-2026

We had several musicians perform at the Passport to the Arts 2025.
https://passporttothearts.ca/musicians-2025

Many thanks and much gratitude to the support team of volunteers who helped with so much before, during and after the show.
https://passporttothearts.ca/volunteers-team-2025

Passport to the Arts featured many amazing painters at the show in 2025.
https://passporttothearts.ca/passion-for-painting-2025