I will never forget how excited Christy Riopel was for her very first Art Show. For weeks she created canvases filled with her fun loving mixed media style. So many of the techniques she practiced and taught in her art journals showed up on her one of kind canvases. I smile when I think of her creating in her studio. My daughter and I drove all the way to Calgary (a five hour drive) to attend. I am so grateful that I did. She didn’t know I was coming – the look on her face was PRICELESS when she saw me walk in.  From elephants to pandas to ballet slippers her booth was filled with her beautiful creations.  I had a very hard time deciding what to purchase. After a few cups of coffee I decided on a HUGE mixed media canvas of an elephant. This beautiful piece will forever…