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Western art showcased at Ponoka Stampede

From pencil to paint to sculputures, the Western Art Show provides a unqiue glimpse at our culture
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This pencil art piece by Ponoka’s Inge Sybrandi is just a sample of the work she can do and hopes to further develop as she progresses into other mediums. Image: Inge Sybrandi

The Ponoka Stampede has always been about celebrating a lifestyle and one part of this event helps showcase just that.

At the Western Art Show, a variety of artists in different mediums including sculptures, oil and other paintings plus other drawings and photos.

While many of the artists travel to be a part of the show at the Stampede, there is one local woman who not only helps organize it but is a part of it.

Inge Sybrandi began her career as a professional artist just about eight years ago, though it really began back in high school right here in Ponoka.

“I started out in art class, since it was a refuge for me,” she said, adding she used to love reading books including ones about dutch art that she feels influenced her early work.

“Then I went off to college for horse training, but I always kept drawing on the side. I started out not wanting to be a professional since I didn’t think it was possible. However, then I met some people who did and I decided to give it a shot.”

Sybrandi is like most artists, in that she doesn’t think her works will ever be perfect, but the key to not getting discouraged is something some people never learn.

“I have this picture in my head of what I’d like to accomplish, so that means trying to be patient working towards that goal,” stated the self-taught artist.

“I feel like I’m still trying find my way. I started in pencil, love both graphite and charcoal, but have really wanted to learn more about oil painting.”

She continues to learn as she goes and wants to try all sorts of new things, but like most busy people, she can’t find the time.

A lot of the pieces Sybrandi does include horses, dogs and children with their pets, but she’d like to start getting more into portraits.

“I have four commissions on my plate that involves horses, ones I’ll take care of when Stampede is done,” she added.

“I’d like to get more into portraits as well as sculpting. It’s something I’ve never done and a totally different skill that I’d like to try. I just want to stay positive as I’ll never be done improving.”

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Crystal Mossing, an artist from Caroline, reshapes the driver of this chuckwagon piece she assembled for the Western Art Show at the 2017 Ponoka Stampede. Mossing, who also does bronze work, was one of several artists having work on display and for sale at the Tommy Dorchester Paddock last week. Photo by Jordie Dwyer