Amber Baker

Certificate in Visual Design specializing in Art Theory and Practice (2010)

When Amber Baker enrolled in her first Continuing Education Class in 2004, she had no idea she was beginning a journey of self-discovery that would lead to her newfound passion for art.

Working as a student advisor in the Undergraduate Program Office at the University of Calgary, Amber—a U of C alumnus (2002) with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics—picked up a Continuing Education Program Guide and decided to enrol in a Saturday morning course in Chinese Ink painting.

After that first class, Amber enrolled in Principles of Design, a core course in the Certificate in Visual Design specializing in Art Theory and Practice. By 2009, she had completed all of the requirements for the certificate, and did it entirely for her own personal enrichment.

"I never pegged myself as an artist," she says. "I used to draw stick figures, but I've learned that art can be taught. Then, it's about practice, practice, practice. The instructors here know how to teach to get results."

Her evening classes were a welcome break from the daily demands of being a young working mom. "I loved going to my classes. It was my time," says Amber. "I loved being part of the program...I've loved working with the instructors and being inspired by them."

When her second child was born, Amber became a full-time, stay-at-home mom and quickly learned to appreciate the therapeutic benefits of painting.

To this day, Amber—now the mother of three children—continues to take classes and work on her art at home. She has no intention to make art a career, but continues to love the time she spends in her home studio and loves to encourage art in her children. She expects she will have no trouble keeping busy with projects, as she has a long list of requests for her work from family and friends.

"I know I will continue doing this for the rest of my life and I will continue taking courses for inspiration and motivation. I would like to start doing some photography."

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