Monika Anna Blichar was born in Latina, Italy in July, 1982. After immigrating to Canada in the early 1980’s, the family lived in Red Deer, where they bore a second daughter, and then moved west to B.C. in 1996. Monika has completed a B.A. in English and French from the University of Victoria and has also obtained a teaching credential with the B.C. College of Teachers. Primarily self taught, she has also studied art several composition and technical classes at Camosun College where she learnt various techniques and strategies in creating contemporary pieces. Her current project is working for her own company, MAB Ventures, as well as through charity work for her non-profit Make and Break Arts Foundation. Her primary goals are to create pieces that inspire others, help and work with other creatives, and make arts and culture accessible to every member of the community. She is pursuing creative projects such as coordination of The West End Art Krall and is exploring various professional opportunities in the arts which include body painting, event coordination, international art tours and offering workshops as well as creative arts classes. Her interests include the Humanities, writing, traveling, and being outdoors. Art has played a significant part of Monika’s life and continues to be an expression of her flowing imagination, appreciation for beauty, and a reflection of seeing beyond the obvious. Monika is currently living and working in Vancouver, B.C. Professional Experiences: 2009-Present: MAB Ventures Inc. & Make and Break Arts Foundation, Owner & Operator Duties: Design and produce original paintings, prints, clothing, and written works. Self and team endorsed sales and promotions. Event coordination, curation and production. Marketing, arts instruction and collaborations with Vancouver based businesses. Charity projects through fundraising for efforts to raise awareness. Exposure and fundraising for artistic ventures. Arts Exhibitions & Productions: “Art-Sea”: Vancouver Aquarium, November 14, 2009 “One World Art Show and Haiti Fundraiser” Science World, May 1, 2010 “Arts In the Vines” Township 7 Winery, June & July 2010 “The Golden Brush Painting Competition” Elliott Louis Gallery, July 3, 2010 & October 2, 2010 Raw Canvas Wine Bar, Mural Painting, Featured Artist month of August, 2010 “SKin is IN” Gallery Gachet, August 12, 2010 “The Republic to End Poverty” Republic Nightclub, August 19, 2010 L’Atelier Hair and Art Boutique, August 2010 North Vancouver Art Council, The Gift Box, September 2010-January 2010 "Grape Stomp" Township 7 Winery, Langley BC October 2010 Waves Coffee Yaletown, Vancouver October 1-31, 2010 "THE FAB" member and creator: An Arts Rotation November 2010