There was an exhibition opening at the Portage and District Arts Centre yesterday.

'Looking In' by Aija Aleksandra Svenne, is oil on canvas abstract paintings. Svenne says it's been a bit of a struggle, but a lot of fun.

Artist Aija Aleksandra Svenne and one of her pieces at the PDAC

"It's been an evolving process as I've always liked working big. Most of the one's here are small and that's quite new for me. I graduated with a Bachelor's in 1986 from U of M, then I did a Masters of University of North Dakota. The rest of the time I've just been working on my own."

This is Svenne's first time having an exhibit at the PDAC and she says her art has really been progressing over time.

People at yesterday's exhibition opening

"Well you invite your friends because you want to hear good things. I do like some pieces better than others, more successful. Generally, it's a progression from what I did before. I've always done figures, they were more generic in the years past, now I'm aiming for more of a study of individuals. Stories that happen between people."

She says the smaller work is fairly new for her as she prefers to work on a larger canvas. The exhibit runs until October 9th at the PDAC.