Avis has pursued her life-long interest in art with courses at Emma Lake Art School (U. of Sask.), Chinook College, Alberta College of Art and Design plus many workshops.

In her work, she aspires to capture the essence of the subject as she sees it. In nature, she finds plentiful inspirations, both in surrounding areas and in travel farther afield. Both sketch and photograph support memory when working on larger pieces in the studio. She primarily works in water media including acrylic and mixed media, with previous experience in oils, charcoal and watercolor.

She is an active member and a past president of Calgary Community Painters Society and a member of Parkdale Art. Former groups in which she exhibited include Alberta Community Art Clubs Association (Alberta-wide), Western Art Showcase (juried), Colours from the Light (juried, benefit), Artists for AARC (benefit), and Andiamo. Her paintings are in numerous private collections across Canada.