Karen Tamminga-Paton
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Born in Smithers, British Columbia, Karen and her 5 brothers grew up in a lively household with noisy mealtimes and parents who dared to travel with them across the country in an oversized, seatbelt-free station wagon. Cultural experiences were a-plenty. She and her family lived in various places in Canada and the U.S. Karen graduated from the University of Waterloo with a major in environmental studies and a minor in fine arts. Her interests led her to work outdoors with various environmental organizations. She learned how to walk game trails, identify bird calls and once got within 20 feet of a herd of wild elk by singing to them. Making the natural world more comprehensible to people gives her great delight, especially if moments of magic spark the willingness to invest in conserving our wild places.
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While working for Alberta Parks, Karen fell in love with a ranger named Dale. He drove a pickup truck, listened to Waylon Jennings and knew where wild orchids grew. They married and settled in the Crowsnest Pass where they raised three daughters. She taught junior and senior high school art for many years. Teaching was some of the hardest and most rewarding work she has ever engaged in. She and Dale still live in the 'Pass where they are active members of this beautiful community. Besides painting in her studio, Karen wanders the back trails with her dog Bailey, and enjoys a good conversation over craft beer.
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