Monika Blichar is a creative entrepreneur based in North Vancouver, Canada. She was born in a refugee camp in Italy as her parents were immigrating from Poland during martial law in 1982. Monika grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and moved to the west coast in 1996. She completed a B.A. in English and French from the University of Victoria in 2006 and went on to obtain a B.C. College of Teacher’s license in 2007. Currently, she creates paintings, fashion, books and toys. Her work is based on surrealism and pop art and is colourful, whimsical and uplifting. Her first book My Magical Gnome was released in 2022 with a plushie toy alongside the series. She has illustrated two additional books Murray the Dragon and has been featured in a variety of articles and several books including “Success Secrets” published in 2019. She is also the founder of Art World Expo established in 2010 and produced in Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton and Toronto. In 2022, she launched the Art World Podcast which can be found on 10+ streaming platforms including Spotify. Owner of Monika’s Art Boutique & Studio in North Vancouver and leads a team of educators and creators who service over 200 students monthly via art programs and specialty workshops for kids, adults and seniors. Over 20 artists are also represented in the boutique and range from visual artists, Squamish Nation Aboriginal artists, to jewellers and fashion designers. Her projects have included hosting local and international art retreats in British Columbia, France, Poland, Holland and Germany, launching the first art vending machine in British Columbia, gallery pop ups and fundraising for charities that align with her mission to inspire, uplift and motivate young and old alike to pursue creativity, imagination and creative entrepreneurship.
