ELORA – A local woman known for her volunteer work is putting herself out there in the world of art with her first exhibition.
Jackie Ranahan is hosting an art show Wednesday evening at the Elora Cafe from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. of her acrylic paintings.
Ranahan is known as a long time volunteer since she moved to community 25 years ago including roles as past president of the Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora, past chair of the Groves Hospital Foundation and is currently a director on the Groves’ board of directors and chair of the Guelph Wellington Ontario Hospital Team governance committee.
A little known fact, Ranahan said in an interview, is that she’s been an artist her whole life.
“Since I got the courage to start posting some things on social media, I would say the most common comment I’ve received is, ‘I never knew you did that,’” Ranahan said. “Putting your artwork out there is a very vulnerable thing and you’re opening yourself up to positive comments but art is also very subjective.”
Ranahan started in high school, and painted on and off through college. Later she established a career as a graphic designer.
“Art has always been an essential part of who I am and what I’ve done in my career,” Ranahan said.
It was idle time and self-reflection during COVID that brought Ranahan back to this early passion and has led to her first show Awakening, a name she came up with during the interview.
Ranahan paints some figures and florals but mostly focuses on landscapes based on what she sees outside on walks and hikes.
Some of Ranahan’s artwork has already been on display at the Elora Cafe but she will also be bringing in some larger pieces specifically for the open house show.
“I’m really hoping that we’ll get a good turnout of friends, family and community people,” Ranahan said.
