Angela Francis
I am Angela Francis, a visual artist (painter) from Oshawa, ON. I recently moved here from Barrie, ON to be closer to the heart of the vibrant arts community of the GTA. I am a Canadian-Caribbean artist, exploring identity and heritage through evocative works. Female identity and empowerment as a theme is prevalent in my work. Blending cultural influences with bold expressions, my art captivates and sparks dialogue. With a passion for storytelling through color and form, I bring a unique perspective to contemporary art, celebrating my roots with texture while pushing creative boundaries. I channel a rich tapestry of lived experiences—both inherited and encountered—that reflect the vibrancy and complexity of my identity. In doing so, I invite viewers into a world where heritage is explored, languages converge, and art becomes a vessel for cultural fusion.
Arts Training and Learning
Sep. 2024 Graphic Design Careers: First Steps; Linkedin online course
Oct. 2020 Therapeutic Art Life Coach Certification; Udemy online course
Jan. 2017 Certificate, Artrepreneur Program; professional development, Barrie ON
Feb. 2016 Course Certificate for Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art; MoMA; Coursera online course for professional development
Feb. 2015 Certificate, Intro to Marketing; Wharton, University of Pennsylvania; Coursera online course for professional development
Sep. 2003-7 Bachelor of Visual Arts, The University of the West Indies; Trinidad and Tobago
2004 2D/3D Animation [3D Max Studio]; The Art Institute of Toronto, ON
Sep. 2001/02 2 years of Fine Art, Georgian College; Barrie, ON
Solo Shows: Artwork Presented to the Public
Aug. 2025 Solo Show, Georgian Manor; Penetanguishene, ON
2022 Solo Show, Italian Bakery; Barrie, ON
Group Shows
Nov 2025 Connections, Oakville Art Society; QEPCCC; Oakville, ON
Oct. 2025 OAA 42nd Fall Art Festival, Camp Samac; Oshawa, ON
Aug. 2025 Scugog Arts Annual Juried Exhibition: Under The Same Sky|Unity, Diversity and Shared Space; Scugog, ON
Jun. 2025 Oshawa Art Crawl, McLaughlin Art Gallery; Oshawa, ON
May 2025 OAA 10th Spring Art Festival, Camp Samac; Oshawa, ON
May 2025 OAA 57th Annual Juried Art Show, McLaughlin Art Gallery; Oshawa, ON
2024 Cultural Expressions for CHANGE: Unity Through the Arts; McLaughlin Art Gallery; Oshawa, ON
2021 & 2022 RAW Toronto Art show, Toronto, ON
2020 Annual Black History Month Celebrations, Five Points Theatre, Barrie, ON
2020 Art In The Park; Uplift Black; Sunnidale Park, Barrie ON 2020 City Hall Rotunda, Barrie, ON
2017 Out Of the Box Exhibition, Good Storage Plus, Barrie, ON
2017 Art & Literary Exhibition, The Grenada Consulate, Toronto, ON
2012 World Aids Day Invitational, DIY, Barrie, ON
2012 International Dance Benefit for YMCA in Sierra Leone; YMCA, Barrie, ON
2002 International Women’s Day Celebrations Exhibition; City Hall, Barrie, ON
2001 Annual Scholarship Show; Helen and Arch Brown Centre for the Arts, Barrie, ON International Exhibitions
2010 Art for Serenity Auction, Woodbrook, Trinidad
2009 Diva's In Flight Show, Cascade, Trinidad
2009 Erotic T&T Exhibition, Port of Spain, Trinidad
2008 Red Earth Exhibition, Chaguaramas, Trinidad
2005 Final Year Exhibit & Film Festival, The National Museum, Trinidad
2004 Photography Exhibition, CCFA, UWI, Trinidad
2002 Grenada Jazz Festival, Quarantine Point, Grenada
2000 Mother's Day Exhibition, Flamboyant Hotel, Grenada Artists
Community Collaboration Activities
2021 Online art workshops for kids; Family Connexions; Simcoe County, ON
2017 -2019 The Secret Garden Art Show; Coordinator; AFFA Studio; Barrie, ON
2017-2019 Fall Art Retreat, Coordinator; AFFA Studio; Tiny, ON
Gallery Representation
2011 Kiki La Ruse Art Gallery, Orillia, ON
Arts and Cultural Work Experience (contracted or hired to work at a job in the arts or culture sector)
Jun 2025 Art Commission; Charles Parent; Sarnia, ON
Jun. 2024 Mural Artist; Stephanie LeBlanc-McHenry; Hampton, ON
Aug. 2020 Portrait Artist; Acacio Raposo; Barrie, ON
Jun. 2020 Mural Artist; Guiding Stars Child Care; Markham location, ON
Mar. 2021 Mural Artist; Beauty & Babes Salon; Barrie, ON
2007 Theatre MUA; Oliver Twist & Fiddler on The Roof; Queens Hall, Trinidad
2006-8 Graphic Artist, 3D Animator, CG Operator; TV6 News, Trinidad
2005- 2006 Production Manager, MUA, Costume Designer, Web Designer, Graphic Artist, Props; Feature Film:Sista God, Caribbeing Productions, Trinidad
2003 3D Animator/ Graphic Arts Consultant, Cyberlab, Trinidad Teaching and mentorships
2019, 2024 - 2026 Visual Arts Mentor, Art Engagement Project; Making Change; Simcoe County, ON
Feb. 2020 Black History Month Online Art Instructor; MacLaren Art Centre; Barrie, ON
2014 - 2023 Art Director/ Instructor, Paint Nights and Art Retreats; AFFA Studio; Barrie ON Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support. Contributed to the creative process through original ideas and inspiration. Designed visual models meeting both aesthetic and technical criteria. Created and delivered lessons through distance, virtual and face-to-face learning. Modeled interpersonal relationships with staff members, students and administrators and strived to enhance student learning and well being.
2002 - 2003 Teaching Assistant, Art Department; T.A. Marryshow Community College; Grenada
Volunteer experience
2023 - 2025 Vice President, Board of Directors, MacLaren Art Centre; Barrie, ON
2024 Volunteer for Kempenfest event, Barrie Art Club; Barrie, ON
2014 -2015 Adopt a Class, Barrie Department of Culture & SMCDSB; Barrie, ON
2014 Rhythmfest, Barrie, ON
2012-14 Furry Friends Animal Shelter, Barrie, ON
2012 Dragon Boat Race, Barrie, ON
2009 Human Rights Representative (UNDP/ OAS & CHOGM)
Awards and community recognition
2023 Platinum winner, Best Art Schools & Lessons; Community Votes; Barrie, ON
2023 Platinum winner, Best Art Schools & Lessons; Community Votes; Barrie, ON
2023 Platinum winner, Best Art Schools & Lessons; Community Votes; Barrie, ON
2022 Gold winner, Best Art Schools & Lessons; Community Votes; Barrie, ON Platinum winner; Community Votes; Barrie, ON
2021 Silver winner, Best Amusement & Recreation; Community Votes; Barrie, ON Platinum winner, Best Art Schools & Lessons; Community Votes; Barrie, ON
2005 1st Place, Traditional Mas Carnival Costume: Temptress; Trinidad & Tobago
2001 Received Millennium Scholarship, Georgian College, Barrie ON
1999 John C. White Scholarship awarded for Exceptional effort and Achievement of Goals,Grenville Christian College; Brockville, ON
1999 Honour Roll Student(80.3%), OSSD, Grenville Christian College; Brockville ON
1998 Awarded Honours in Visual Art (79.8%), Grenville Christian College; Brockville, ON
1997 to 1998 1st place – solo vocals, Ontario Lion's Music Festival; Brockville, ON 1st place in public speaking, Ontario Lion’s Music Festival; Brockville, ON
Assessment and Adjudication
2023 Juror; Making Change Youth Art Exhibition
2021 Grant Juror; Department of Culture, City of Barrie
Memberships
2025 - present Member; Oakville Art Society
2025 - present Member; Women's Art Association of Canada
2024 - present Member; Oshawa Art Association
2021 - 2024 Member; Barrie Art Club 2018 Member; Barrie Chamber of Commerce
Art Collections
Title; Collection
No Roots, Grace Jones; In the collection of Brian & Samantha West
Oracle; In the Collection of All Risks Insurance Company
Alexandra; In the collection of Alexandra Read-Schioski
Visual Artistic Skills
Acrylic painting, Art history, Oil painting, Canvas Watercolor painting, Technical art instruction, Therapeutic art instruction, Film & Theatre MUA, Drawing, Sculpting
Technology Skills
Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Premier Pro, After Effects), Macromedia (Flash, Dreamweaver), 3D Max, Some HTML, Extensive use of social media for marketing, Microsoft, Windows