Born in Helsinki, Finland in 1966, Anita remembers drawing animals as the first fond memories of her childhood. She started riding horses at the age of six and her love for these majestic animals has stayed with her to this day. In 2001, she rescued a thoroughbred horse after her track career and the pair have been partners ever since.

Anita’s passion and love for animals is obvious in her artwork. At the age of 16 she started to take care of horses at the stables near her home. She eventually studied at the Animal Husbandry School in Helsinki and, afterward, began working at the Helsinki Zoo. The position was intended to be a summer job, but she stayed on for three years caring for exotic animals from all over the world.

Twenty years ago, Anita visited Arizona to meet her American pen pal. Their relationship flourished into romance and they eventually married. Her love for the warm weather solidified her life in the states and her love for animals solidified her talents as a painter of animals in a variety of mediums.

In the studio at her Scottsdale home, she paints pet portraits and wild animals. She strives to capture their true essence in each piece. Her medium of choice is watercolor, but she is passionate about working with acrylics on leather and canvas, is experimental with other mediums, and enjoys photography as well.

Anita loves the challenge of working with animals in her daily job at a local animal clinic and as an artist. Her goal is to capture each creature’s spirit and personality in a way that is representative of the lasting impact animals have in our lives.

Join us on Friday, August 19th from 6-9PM for a reception in Anita’s honor.