Jasper’s Barbara Brooks passed away over a year ago, but her memory has lived on in a scholarship fund for budding artists.

On Dec. 10, an exhibit of Brooks’ pieces will be held at the Habitat for the Arts in the People’s Gallery, in support of the scholarship fund. Brooks’ family will be releasing a limited number of original pieces each year to support the fund. This year 10 works of art by Brooks will be for sale, and more will be on display to the public at the Habitat through the weekend. 

Brooks was a well-known fixture on the Jasper Arts scene since she moved here in 1976. Her first artwork was displayed at the Jasper Craft Fair in 1984 – the first of many shows and accomplishments throughout her almost 30 years as an artist. 

Two artists can benefit from the Barb Brooks scholarship. The first scholarship is for an artist wishing to pursue art at a college or university. The second is for an emerging artist that is planning on attending a workshop or residency. Both are $500 and are judged by a panel of three to four local judges. 

The scholarship is open to all Alberta artists, and all mediums of art, not just visual art. Last year, Jasper’s Nicole Koebel of the Jasper Dance Program won the scholarship to attend a dance conference. The second scholarship was not awarded. 

The application for the scholarship opens in June of each year, and the winners are decided in July. 

Marianne Garrah, one of the volunteers behind the Habitat for the Arts, said the upcoming show will make sure there is money in the fund each year.

“This show will be to ensure that this scholarship stays alive,” Garrah said. “This is Barb’s home and we want people to support her scholarship.”

Many of Brooks’ pieces can be found in private collections now. The Canadian government also snatched up pieces throughout her career to exhibit in public buildings. 

One thing that made Brooks unique in Jasper is that she survived purely on her artwork. When she needed to make a few dollars, she simply painted and sold the result. Garrah said it is not only rare for an artist to be completely self employed, it’s “very brave”.

After starting in the early ’ 80s, Garrah said Brooks perfected her technique in the ’ 90s. Her signature was her beautiful wildflowers, aspen trees and snow birds. She painted nature scenes and water with watercolours. 

Her artwork can be seen upon request, but the Dec. 10 show will be a rare opportunity to see it in a live gallery. More information on the scholarship can be found at www.barbbrooksartist.com

To further remember Brooks, a bench has been placed at the meeting of the Miette and Athabasca Rivers at Tekarra Lodge.