Luseland Art Gallery features Lalita Martfeld’s watercolours

By Joan Janzen

The Luseland Library Art Gallery is featuring a new watercolour exhibit by artist Lalita Martfeld, who was born and raised in Luseland.

"I have been doodling since a very early age but really got serious in my teens," Lalita explained.

Lalita Martfeld, who was born and raised in Luseland, is the featured artist in the latest exhibit at the Luseland Library Art Gallery.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY DAWNA NIENABER.

At that time, she completed a talent survey, which resulted in a company representative visiting the family farm to offer her a correspondence course. Although she didn't pursue the course, it encouraged her to continue developing her artistic talents.

Lalita credits her mother as one of her earliest influences.

"My mom was one of my strongest supporters and teachers from the very beginning," she said.

Since then, she has taken numerous courses through her education in library science and technology, as well as workshops with artists in Saskatoon, where she now resides.

She finds inspiration in evocative scenes and photographs.

"When I see an evocative picture or scene, it inspires me to paint, and being around fellow artists is also great," she added.

The exhibit at the Luseland Library Art Gallery is a colourful display of her work.

In addition to creating her own art, Lalita helped establish a volunteer-based painting group at a seniors' residence in Saskatoon. While visiting her father at Primrose Chateau, she met Betty Lee, a retired teacher and acrylic artist. Before long, the two were organizing a group for beginning painters.

"It has been going for two years, and this spring we had our first art show," she said. "Our beginner classes start in two weeks with hopes we will attract more painters to our core group."

The core group now consists of 12 members who meet weekly.

Lalita's involvement with community arts also caught the attention of the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA), which invited her to offer introductory watercolour workshops.

"I offer beginner-level instruction. Many of my students tell me they have always wanted to give it a try but are intimidated by large group settings," she said.

If you're in Luseland, be sure to stop by the gallery and enjoy Lalita's colourful and thought-provoking artwork.