
Original Abstract Art
by Sheryl Keen
Abstract Art with Soul
Much of art begins with emotion.
And emotion begins in the soul.
Art has the power to touch the viewer's soul while revealing the artist's own. Over time, the work itself takes on a life - shaped by what is poured into it and completed by the meaning each viewer brings. This kind of connection does not happen by chance.
Placing soul into an artwork requires courage. It asks for honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to speak from lived experience. For me, the central theme of this exploration is growth - not as sudden transformation, but as a slow organic, unfolding.
My work reflects growth as something incremental and ongoing, much like a plant reaching toward light. Leaves trees, and branching motifs appear often, symbolizing the quiet persistence of becoming. Growth is a universal experience, but it becomes meaningful when it is personal. I place myself fully within the work so that what you encounter feels lived, not abstract.
Growth is rarely neat or easy. Change requires care, patience, and time. Like tending a living thing, it asks us to show up consistently and honestly. I believe that it is this honesty that allows art to touch the soul - where the inner landscape of the artist meets that of the viewer.
When a work carries it's own soul, interpretation is open. The viewer is free to find their own meaning, and in doing so, bring their humanity into the experience. This exchange is where connection lives.
Art, for me, is an act of soul-searching. What I discover in that process is what I share. Growth or stagnation is always a choice. My work is an invitation to lean into growth - even when it is difficult - and to recognize ourselves in one another.e work itself takes on a life — shaped by what is poured into it and completed by the meaning each viewer brings. This kind of connection does not happen by chance.t has the power to touch the viewer’s soul while revealing the artist’s own. Over time, the work itself takes on a life — shaped by what is poured into it and completed by the meaning each viewer brings. This kind of connection does not happen by chance.
Abstract Art
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UPCOMING & PAST EXHIBITS
List of Services
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FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton 2026
The FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton is an interdisciplinary arts venue that builds community and supports art and culture as part of everyday life in Milton.
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Art Gallery of Burlington 2026
The Art Gallery of Burlington, founded in 1978, is the seventh largest public art gallery in Ontario. The gallery collects and maintains Canada's largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics. It is located on the City of Burlington waterfront.
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Helson Gallery 2024 & 2025
Helson Gallery is owned and operated by the Town of Halton Hills, and is located in a facility shared with the Halton Hills Public Library and John Elliot Theatre. The gallery is the permanent home of the Helson Collection, as well as rotating exhibitions of artwork on loan or works from local artists.
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Oakville Town Hall 2025
City Hall in Oakville is the municipal government headquarters for the Town of Oakville, Ontario. It's where the town's local government works and where many public facing services and decisions happen.
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Arts Etobicoke 2023 & 2024
Arts Etobicoke is a not-for-profit organization promoting arts in West Toronto, providing inclusive access to creative programs, workshops, events, and professional development for everyone.
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It's Okay Studio 2024
It's OK* Studios, is an independent Black-led and operated, Interdisciplinary, multipurpose arts space. Transform from a vacant retail building in the historic Queen West district. The space is a hub for artistic growth and development.
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City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot 2023
The Cultural Hotspot is an annual arts program that celebrates Toronto's outside-the-core communities.
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Savvy Art Market 2023
Savvy Art Market is a boutique art studio dedicated to sourcing, showcasing, and crafting curated original artwork from an exceptional roster of Canadian artists.
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Town of Halton Hills Cultural Centre 2023
A modern facility located in the heart of historic Downtown Georgetown, it includes a live performing arts theatre, an art gallery, and a public library, offering various ways to engage in local culture.
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Ontario Science Centre eAuction 2022
The Ontario Science Centre invited artists inspired by science, technology, and nature to participate in their eAuction. The pieces of art featured in the eAuction were chosen through a jury selection process.
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Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre 2022
Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre connects the community through visual art programs, exhibitions, events, and provides access to the arts for those in need.
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Contributing Artist to Halton Hills Black History Awareness Society (Halton Hills Cultural Centre) 2021- 2025
HBHAS promotes cultural education for inclusivity, equality, and self-development, and reduces bullying, prejudice, and inequality. They work globally to mitigate negative attitudes towards marginalized communities.
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Riverdale Art Walk Online 2022
Riverdale ArtWalk is a public two-day fine art exhibition featuring over 180 established and emerging artists in Toronto's Queen East arts district at Jimmie Simpson Park.
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Etobicoke Arts Fest 2022
The first annual Etobicoke ArtsFest showcased hundreds of talented local artists. The event was planned by local volunteers in partnership with Arts Etobicoke.
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Kings of Napa TV Series on OWN 2022
The Kings of Napa is a TV show about an aspirational African American family who owns a picturesque vineyard in Napa Valley
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Faculty Club - University Of Toronto 2020List Item 4
A private club located in the heart of the city, this Georgian-revival building hosts incredible events year-round.
41 Willcocks St
Toronto, ON M5S 3G3
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Sunderland Hall Gallery - First Unitarian Toronto 2019List Item 1
A large display area with big skylights and high ceilings.
175 St Clair Ave W
Toronto, ON M4V 1P7
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Ralph Thornton Centre 2019List Item 2
A Communtiy Centre located in the Leslieville/ South Riverdale neighborhood of Toronto.
765 Queen St E.
Toronto, ON M4M 1H3
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Station Gallery 2018, 2020, 2021 & 2022List Item 3
A non-profit public art gallery located in Whitby, ON.
1450 Henry St.
Whitby, ON L1N 0A8
THE ART BLOG
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