Angela Bonten (Anjy) is a seasoned artist with over 35 years of experience in the creative world. An instructor, motivational speaker, and published writer, Angela’s passion for art and education has shaped her career and enriched the lives of those she’s worked with.
Originally from Canada, Angela relocated to Canada in her early twenties and pursued her formal art education at Grant MacEwan University College in Edmonton. She graduated with distinction from both the Fibre Art and Fine Art programs before further expanding her expertise by completing the Arts Administration/Museum Management program.
Throughout her artistic journey, Angela has experimented with a wide variety of mediums, including papermaking, dyeing techniques, and mixed media acrylics. She believes in continually adding new tools to her artistic toolbox, viewing each medium as an exciting opportunity for creative growth.
Angela has received recognition for her work, including being chosen as the feature artist for the Life and Arts Festival. She has also been nominated and shortlisted for the prestigious Okanagan Arts Awards. Her contributions to the arts extend beyond her own creations, as she is deeply involved in her community, volunteering extensively and supporting local artists.
For many years, Angela was a resident artist at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. She has served on the boards of several art organizations, including Cool Arts and the Arts Council for the Central Okanagan, where she was instrumental in curating exhibitions for both emerging and professional artists in public venues throughout Kelowna. Her work has been showcased in juried exhibitions across Canada, including Alberta, B.C., Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, in addition to her solo exhibitions.
Angela’s influence extends to television and print, having made appearances on Maritime Breakfast TV, Okanagan Now, CHBC, and Shaw Cable Network. Her artwork and insights have been featured in respected publications such as The Globe and Mail, Capital News, Beyond 50 Magazine, Madeleine Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Okanagan Life, and Saging with Creativity.
In recent years, Angela has expanded her role as an educator, teaching art and lecturing on various cruise ships while also offering guidance through social media platforms. She has recently opened Musartiqa Studios in Kelowna, a new space where she continues to share her artistic vision and inspire the next generation of creators.
Angela’s lifelong dedication to the arts, along with her commitment to both personal and professional growth, continues to inspire and influence the broader artistic community.