It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to meet a celebrated Canadian artist. Katerina Mertikas is best-known for her bright and colourful paintings of children playing outdoors in the snow and enjoying the rain under bright umbrellas. The expressionist artist will have a variety of her artwork on display at Koyman Galleries during her annual art exhibit through November 12th – 28th and will be on-site to meet with collectors and fans on select days.
The well-known and self-taught professional artist from Ottawa, loves painting and believes strongly in giving back through her art. Since 1993, Mertikas has been partnered with UNICEF after sending in a sample of her work. Since then, her paintings have adorned Christmas cards for years, making her a household name in Canada.
This year, UNICEF and Hallmark have once again selected the artist’s work to be featured as a greeting card. The extensive partnership will UNICEF will see that the cards will be sold throughout Ottawa at Loblaws, Great Canadian Superstore, Pier 1 Imports, IKEA, Hallmark, and many other local boutiques.
“I’m thrilled to be showcasing my new pieces at Koyman Galleries this November, and I hope to see you at my show! I love meeting and engaging with fellow art lovers and collectors, and the timing is perfect, too—to get us all into the festive spirit! I’m equally thrilled to be partnered with UNICEF and Hallmark again this year—it’s exciting for me to see my works sold on greeting cards and knowing how UNICEF helps children in need inspires me to keep on painting. It’s very rewarding” said Mertikas.
Mertika’s love of vivid colours is evident in her artwork. Many of her art pieces celebrate happy moments and a child’s joy and excitement. It is evident to see that a charming sense of nostalgia emanates throughout her artwork and her compositions often feature peaceful settings.
Two years ago, Katerina was inspired to create a painting called Honouring My Father after the tragic event that took place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Her painting of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo raised well over $75,000.00 for Cirillo’s son. The original painting hangs in Mayor Jim Watson’s boardroom and an embellished print hangs in Ottawa’s city hall for all to view.
Katerina has been on the receiving end of many awards. In 2014 she was presented with the United Way Community Builder Award, she has also received the Ottawa Hellenic Award in the arts and was honoured with a “Women of Distinction” award in the arts category, and elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts in 2000.
The noteworthy artist is proud to be the first Ottawa artist to be selected by UNICEF and displayed on the cover of their international brochure, as well. Mertikas says that she hopes to continue to “give back through art in a big way.” Her best-selling cards, which sell out every year, provide much needed funds to children worldwide.
Meet the Artist
Looking to finally meet the artist in person? Katerina Mertikas will be present to meet and greet with art collectors and fans on Saturday, November 12th, noon to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 13th, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Koyman Galleries (on St. Laurent Boulevard)
For more information on Katerina Mertikas, visit www.katerinamertikas.com
