When Heidi Smyth took the plunge to open her new art studio and gallery 18 months ago she had no idea the direction pursuing her dreams would take her. Smyth opened the space as a means to help fellow artists market their work, outside the traditional gallery setting that encourages creators to promote themselves instead of simply consigning that work over to a gallery. Although she has had to step back from the business over the last little while due to her parents being ill, Smyth's idea has captured the hearts of Cochrane. Through her work she was awarded the Cochrane Eagle' s Best of Cochrane Readers' Choice for both best gallery and best artist. "I was totally shocked. It caught me by surprise," she said, adding the awards are very encouraging as she sets her sights on an evolution of her business. "I am moving in a new direction to make it more of a design studio," Smyth said. What that means is the business will begin offering services to assist those looking to renovate, update or redesign their homes. There will also be a workshop component for the do-it-yourselfers. "I love helping people adjust their space," she said. "We will be partnering with people in Cochrane," Smyth added about the expertise she is bringing into bring her idea to life. While the change is a new direction for Smyth and the business, she is not abandoning her art and studio and there will continue to be a studio component. She is grateful to the community for its support and believes the recognition is proof that people should always follow their dreams. "Just go for it," Smyth said. "Take risks in life, no matter what the the outcome is you don't have regrets." She firmly believes the only regrets come from the risks and chances not taken and the resulting missed opportunities. "Life can be cut short," she said.
