The Okanagan Artists of Canada Society (OACS) proudly celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, marking eight decades of fostering artistic growth, collaboration, and community spirit. As one of the oldest art associations in British Columbia, the OACS continues to embody its motto: “Artists Helping Artists.”

Founded in 1945 as the Vernon Artist Association, the club has undergone several name changes and expansions, reflecting its enduring commitment to the arts. From its early days supporting local artists to becoming a registered society in 2017, the OACS has played a vital role in the cultural landscape of the Okanagan region.

A resident of Vernon for 45 years, Mieko began studying sumi-e as a hobby to keep herself busy after retiring in 2000. Through a correspondence course from Bokushin Touei Ryu, she would send her drawings to them and they would review and return them to her with feedback and would attend in-person classes whenever she returned to Japan. During her studies, she received various prizes and was granted the 宗家大賞 (souketaishyou) top prize from her school in 2017. In 2018, she returned to Japan to attend the award ceremony to receive her certificate. At that time, she was also granted her sumi-e teacher’s license.

This collection of her artwork is a milestone celebration marking her accomplishments and shares with her friends and family 25 years of self-growth and dedication to the traditional Japanese art of sumi-e.

Sumi-e is a traditional Japanese style of brush painting that uses ink made from soot and brushes from natural bristles on rice paper. It is known for its minimalist aesthetic, focusing on conveying the spirit or essence of a subject. Sumi-e often depicting natural subjects, reflecting a deep appreciation for the natural world by balancing free-flowing brushstrokes and controlled techniques. It is considered a meditative and spiritual exercise, promoting focus and self-awareness while celebrating the beauty of simplicity and nature.