“Creating Hope & Home” is open for public viewing starting May 2, 2025 until early June 2025. You can drop by St. Faith’s to see the works during regular office hours, Tuesday-Friday, or between services on Sundays.

I am Zainab, a passionate artist dedicated to creating an imaginary world that resonates with desires. I work with oil, acrylic, pencil, and charcoal, and over the past few years, I have painted a collection of canvases deeply connected to nature and inspired by the original images of old buildings and statues that reflect my roots. My heritage traces back to the birthplace of Rumi—beautiful yet devastated Afghanistan. I was born and raised there until my family sought refuge in India. This transition profoundly influenced my life. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, facing language barriers, and enduring the hardships of displacement, I found solace and inspiration in art.

The Covid lock-downs and other trials of life in India became a transformative gift, allowing me to embrace my identity as an artist. While passing through the vibrant and colourful land, we came to know of the incredible people from St. Hildegard’s Sanctuary and St. Faith’s church; folks we had never met in person but who became distant friends, eagerly waiting to welcome us to our new home, Canada. Now, I call Canada home; a place that represents more than just a physical space. I recently graduated from high school and aspire to build a future in the healthcare field. Yet, no matter where life takes me, art will remain an essential part of my path a reflection of my experiences, emotions, and the stories I carry with me.