Ranch Ehrlo’s artists showed off their artistic achievements at the 14th annual Art from the Heart calendar reception. Staff and families had the opportunity to get the first glimpse of the calendars at the reception held on Dec. 19th at Schaller Education Centre on the Pilot Butte campus.

The calendar was unveiled, and the artists had the opportunity to showcase their work and sign autographs for those in attendance.

Cover artist Joan* has been drawing for four years and plans to gift the original piece to her teacher.

January’s artist Debbie* was inspired by historic cultural events, explaining that her picture represented coming home from residential school.

The February artist is a repeat winner, having had her art featured in the calendar in previous years. This year’s art is inspired by her own struggles.

“It’s about mental health issues,” she said of her picture, which features a girl with a taped-up heart. “I have a hard time dealing with my feelings sometimes but art helps.”

Each year the calendars are printed and distributed to Ranch youth, staff, board members, and partnering agencies.

*names changed