Gale Degner
 4 Dalton Gate
 Stoney Creek ON
L8J1Z4
(905)578-0452
e-mail: gdegner@cogeco.ca or gldegner@hotmail.com

  I am a former nurse, married to a Correctional Officer who has 2 kids, my mom, 4 cats, and a toad living with me. I was born and raised in Hamilton, attending Nursing School/Mohawk College here.  My first interest in school was art. My father and brothers all draw and paint. In Grade 10 I was encouraged to start putting a portfolio together. I became ill and thus my interest changed to nursing. I discovered ways to pursue my interest- macramé, ceramics, and needlework. Art comes in many forms. I worked in Psychiatry and Forensic nursing for the better part of 25 years.
     In 1998 I became disabled myself and a friend introduced me to decorative painting. Mary came and I went to my first seminar of any kind. I loved the technique, I loved the seminar and I became a Mary ‘groupie’. I shared this art with other friends and we trucked around to seminars and next thing we knew there we were in Brockville hoping to be certified. Mary has taken fine art and not only made it accessible to any one, she also makes sure that everyone walks out with a finished product to be proud of! I am proud to be part of this, to share what I have learned with others. We should all leave the world just a little bit more beautiful for having been here and take the time to appreciate what is beautiful around us.