Ana Maria Mendez, Women of Inspiration

Ana Maria Mendez, a local art enthusiast, has been nominated as one of the the Women of Inspiration. This honor is given by Girls Inc of Northern Alberta, and it is well deserved. When Mendez first arrived in Fort MacMurray from Peru with her husband many years ago she quickly made herself useful in the local art community, taking employment at MacDonald Island Park where she promoted the arts and culture to visitors and groups. Eventually Ana worked her way up the employment ladder, reaching the position of manager. Ana Maria Mendez has played a vital role in culture and art in the Wood Buffalo area, and she has been curating and promoting art and cultural exhibitions for some time at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery.

The Women of Inspiration nominees will be honored by Girls Inc at a celebration event which will be held on June 13 of this year, and there is no dispute that Ana Maria Mendez is worthy of being nominated. Without the efforts of Mendez in the last half a decade the art community in Wood Buffalo would not be as diverse or popular. Ana has taken a particular interest in helping young people access and understand art, and she is responsible for the success of the Artist in Residency program in the municipality. This program provides resources, dedicated studio space, exposure, and even support and encouragement to artists in the local area. Another area where Mendez shines is in school visits in order to foster an interest in the arts and culture.