ERNA dE VRIES ( neé de Vries ) was born in The Netherlands , and immigrated in 1957 to Ontario , Canada . With a background in fiber arts she studied painting and sculpture at various universities and holds a : B . A . in Art / Art History , B . ED ., Honours Art Specialist , Vocational Art Certificate , and Plastic / Fine Arts Certificates . During her career as an art educator , Erna developed curriculum , promoted the arts , organized shows , judged fine arts competitions , and mentored student teachers .
As a recent practicing artist , Erna participates in a variety of juried shows in Canada , and the US ; has exhibited in the IEA “ Poetry Bleeds Rust ” show in New York City and exhibited in The Netherlands . Her first solo gallery show is scheduled for September in Richmond , VA . Her artwork can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada and the USA . Erna is a member of the Encaustic Art Institute , International Encaustic Artists , Christians in the Visual Arts and numerous Educational Organizations .
Erna resides in Mount Hope ON , creating in her home studio , teaching encaustic workshops and is a part time Post-Secondary Faculty Associate evaluating teacher candidates .