Jennifer Singh was born in Guyana, where her passion for art began in high school with painting in acrylics. An educator at heart, Singh immigrated to Canada in 1969 to continue her post-secondary education at Seneca College and then at York University. Later, returning to Seneca College as an educator herself, she eventually retired as dean of Seneca International.

However, despite being retired, Singh still takes courses through Life Institute at Ryerson so, clearly, she will never retire from the joy of learning and her love of art.

Because of Singh's affinity for art she was attending art shows put on by The Art Guild of Scarborough for many years, so when she became a student of Melinda Calway (one of its members) several years ago she was encouraged by a classmate to also join that organization. It wasn't long before Singh became more comfortable painting watercolours and sold her first painting at the Art Guild's Spring Show in 2019. Whether this was beginner's luck or not, Singh says she has definitely been encouraged by the feedback received.

"Since becoming a student of watercolour," she says "participating in exhibitions affords me opportunities to observe and learn from other watercolourists."

Remembering back to 1994 when she curated an exhibition that showcased artworks of the Guyana Women Artists Association at the Scarborough Civic Centre, Singh also hopes to curate another exhibition for Guyanese artists in 2020.

Although Singh's husband is now deceased she has two adult sons and a grandson who keep her happily grounded. She also takes time to hang out with friends and family, to travel, enjoy concerts, the theatre and music. In addition her interest in photography provides subject matter for paintings she plans to exhibit in future shows provided by The Art Guild of Scarborough.

"Retirement affords me the opportunity to pursue all of these interests, which is great" Singh says.

We have come to believe that this new member of ours is definitely a force to be reckoned with and when she plans to do something it will surely happen.

Joy MacFadyen is communications officer at the Art Guild of Scarborough. Artist members of the guild are regularly featured on toronto.com. To learn more about the group, visit theartguildofscarborough.com or facebook.com/theartguildofscarborough.