From the Artist

Who & What?

Hi! My name is Mercedes Symons, the creator of Hometown Connection Art. Every piece of art I create promises a moment of calm for you, creativity for your kids, and a reminder that beauty is in the little pauses everyday.

When?

I made the decision to focus on Hometown Connection Art in 2024.  I have been making art in the evenings and at kid’s nap times for many years. In 2025, I officially dropped my teaching contract and dove in.

Why?

Long story, short - I was a farm kid growing up by the small city of Estevan, Saskatchewan, became a teacher, taught for 5 years, had three kids, and then took a huge turn to start an ART business! Hometown Connection Art. “What?! Drop a full time teaching contract, to make art?” 

I honestly always thought that being a full time artist just wasn’t an option. That it wasn’t “realistic.” Goodness, was I wrong. During the hustle of being a teacher and having three young children, I made some huge discoveries that led me here.

1. My kids needed me. Not what was leftover at the end of the teaching day, but my best self. I give all my respect to teachers who taught through their kids younger years. How can I still help the community though? I have always loved drawing, so I decided this skill was going to be it. I was going to make art to help other moms & families, connect & add calm into their lives.
2. Many times, I had a difficult time teaching because kids needed more connection before they were going to learn. They came from a chaotic situation and craved calm. They craved connection, they needed more 1-1 time with people they trust, and love. How can I make an art product to create easy, calm connection at home? This is one reason I’m making educational colouring books inspired directly from the community. Just take the time to sit, connect, and colour.
3. I was overwhelmed. How can I help other moms who feel the same as me? Either rushing in the morning to get kids ready, to get to work and feel the weight of mom guilt and that never ending to do list OR staying home with the kids, soaking in all the moments, but also craving adult conversation, covered in random stains, and wiping butts. So I’ve been creating art products that remind you of your beauty, to take a breathe, slow down and remind you that you can do it. Florals give us a natural dopamine hit, so there’s that too.

 Where? 

I am just beginning my art journey, and keeping an eye on different locations that might be the perfect places for my art & art products. Please reach out if you have a special spot in mind. I’m open to hearing all ideas! Reach out on the contact page.

Thanks for being here,

Reach out anytime!

Mercedes Symons