The Headwaters Tourism Artist of the Year Award is a peer nominated award. It was given to me this year to acknowledge my creative endeavours under Croi go Lamh studio for the past 20 years as well as my being one of the founders of the Hills of Erin Studio Tour, one of Ontario's longest running tours. It was also to acknowledge my volunteer work in the establishment of an artist collaborative in this region for the purpose of developing arts and culture in the region. I have been involved in this undertaking since 2003 which culminated in the merging of the Headwaters Artist Network with Headwaters Arts Festival which officially took place in April 2008. I am currently the Vice-President of the newly named not-for-profit organization, Headwaters Arts. This new organization represents all forms of artistic and creative mediums and serves to enhance the economic well-being of not only our artists, but the community at large.

Lifetime Achievement Award Sculpture

I am doing the first Headwaters Arts Lifetime Achievement Award which being given to Paul Burdette by his long-time friend Robert Bateman on Friday, September 26th, at the Gala Opening of the Headwaters Arts Festival

River of Life - University of Guelph, Veterinary College, Main Entrance

In the spring of this year, "Doc" Cormack purchased the 42-inch River of Life from me. He is donating it to the University of Guelph Art Collection, to be installed at the Veterinary College Main Entrance.

Sculpture establishes a relationship with the space it occupies, whether it is held in the hand or viewed from a distance. This process of communication, of relating thoughts and emotions establishes a connection between the mind and the heart.

Working in a variety of mixed-media, gold and silver, Monica's one of a kind works have a powerful presence and speak to the originality of the artist's unlimited creativity. Abstract themes and organic shapes combine both traditional and contemporary perspectives, well suited to corporate or residential installation.

Her recent body of work provides a new opportunity to enjoy sculptural designs in the form of wearable art jewellery, available in gold and fine silver. Along with her love for contemporary form, Monica also acknowledges her own Irish heritage and appreciation for the intricate design of the Celts. With each piece, the excellence of design and workmanship achieved by the ancient Celtic artists clearly shines through in Monica's one of a kind, hand crafted pieces.

Art Clay Silver / Gold

Innovation in recycling processes has allowed silver to be extracted from non-toxic materials (films, x-rays) and held together by a paper binder. When the silver / gold is fired, the paper binder burns off leaving 99.9% fine silver and 22 karat gold.

The design process starts with a concept and then working with the clay until the desired form is created. Refining, carving and relief design continues until I am happy the work is complete. After thoroughly drying, the piece is then fired, a process that takes about five hours from start to finish. Tumbling, hand polishing and burnishing brings the piece to its ultimate luster. Care instructions are to clean periodically with fine silver cleaner and soft cloths. Patination will occur over time and is sometimes an appealing addition to the work.

Croi go Lamh Studio, established in 1988, is shared with co-owner and husband David Schut, a mechanical engineering technologist by profession, but, time permitting, a musician, furniture designer / builder and skilled artist (Celtic illumination, leather work, pottery and stained glass). The words, "Croi go Lamh", meaning "Heart to Hand" in Irish Gaelic, perfectly describe the philosophy behind the creative pursuits they have both been involved in for so many years. The studio is situated on 25 acres in Erin Township in the heart of rural Ontario. Although Toronto and the Niagara corridor are only an hour away, it is here in this pastoral setting where they find their inspiration. You are warmly invited to visit the studio and grounds by appointment.

Commissioned work is welcomed.