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Hidden talents—bounty of treasures

“I need to live to be 120 because I need to learn how to do everything at least once.” This quote sums up the energy and inquisitive nature of this awe inspiring individual.
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An artist among artists Karen Beaupre is a local artist with knowledge in many genres. She is offering classes for children and adults to share her vast talents.

“I need to live to be 120 because I need to learn how to do everything at least once.” This quote sums up the energy and inquisitive nature of this awe inspiring individual.

A multi-media artist is about the best way to describe local Karen Beaupre, when it comes to a descriptor of her work. This very creative lady dabbles in numerous forms of artwork; from her successful “After 8 Cowgirl/Cowboy Casuals” clothing line, embroidered and screened clothing, photography, frame-making and scrapbooking right down to her latest craze—jewelry making.

Absolute proof of her incredible talents are showcased in the gallery at the rear of the Beaupre building on Tapton Avenue. (The building’s design and decor itself, inspired by Beaupre’s creativity.) The Southern Ridge Gift Gallery offers unique, and exclusive gift items, the majority of which are created by Beaupre’s own hands.

With Valentines Day just around the corner, the Southern Ridge Gift Gallery could very well be the place to pick up “the perfect gift” for your sweetheart. Gentlemen, if you are wanting to find an original gift for your girl, checking out the jewelry selection is a must. From costume jewelry to the higher end gemstone and sterling silver jewelry, there is something sure to please.

The Gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Winter Hours)

Just in time for Valentines Day as well, Beaupre is offering a Kids Jewelry making class for kids aged 10 to 16 years. From 3:15 to 5:00 p.m., on Mondays, beginning Monday February 14, your child will learn to make a variety of jewelry. Classes will be held in the Diamond Room in the upper level of the Beaupre building.

The most current form of jewelry making that she is working with and is excited to share, is silver clay jewelry. From Japan, this clay contains fine silver particles with a consistency like cornstarch, suspended in a binder. It can be formed how you like, shaped or stamped and once fired, the binding burns off, the silver fuses and becomes 99.9 percent pure. Copper and Bronze Clay are also available to work with by request.

Beaupre also extends an invitation to the adults of the community to come and try a scrapbooking class. Hours of fun and creativity await you as you will learn to piece together expressions of your own special moments in time. The classes are held in the Diamond Room, every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Whether child or adult, every individual has a need for creative expression, Karen Beaupre may be just the person to help you find it.

If interested in taking a class with Beaupre, give her a call at 250-295-7979 (eves) or 250-295-8773 (days).