Markvart is a Canadian painter based in the remote North Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula. She works with acrylic ink to illuminate the intersection of physical, psychological, and spiritual realms. She holds a BFA in Film Production from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and a Master of Environmental Studies and PhD in Planning from the University of Waterloo, Ontario. 

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My 2025 - present work within the New Surrealism explores the intertwined notions of identity, consciousness, and change. Many of my paintings originate in dreams where my subconscious offers symbolic imagery that becomes the foundation for my work. This internal source is informed by my interests in symbols, psychology, and pertinent social and scientific theories. I begin with staged compositions and photography before painting with acrylic ink on birch panels. I allow the wood grain to emerge through layers of paint, creating an interplay between material and image that is a defining characteristic of my practice.

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​SELECT EXHIBITIONS

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2026​​​​​​

• Federation of Canadian Artists, Emerge (group exhibit), Federation Gallery, Vancouver, Nov. 3-Nov. 15

• International Guild of Realism, Fall Salon (online group exhibit), Oct. 15-Dec. 20

• National Oil and Acrylic Painters' Society, Associate Exhibit (online group exhibit), Aug. 24-Aug. 24, 2027

• Chianciano Biennale, Chianciano Art Museum, Tuscany, Italy, Aug. 15-29

• Richeson75 International Art Competitions, Still Life & Floral (online group exhibit)

• Studio Texas International Competition (online group exhibit), July 17-July 17, 2027

• Federation of Canadian Artists, Fresh Paint (group exhibit), Leslie Grove Gallery, Toronto, June 24-July 5

• National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society, Spring International (online group exhibit), May 25-July 25

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2025

• McMichael Gallery Juried Autumn Show (group exhibit), Nov. 7-9, Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada

• Society of Canadian Artists 57th Juried Exhibit (online group exhibit), Aug. 27-Sept. 30

• Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (group exhibit), July 11-13, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Joyner Gallery (solo exhibit) June, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

• Deep Water Gallery (solo exhibit, The Spring Shoreline), Feb. 27-Apr. 5, Wiarton, Ontario, Canada

• Propeller Art Gallery, Heart Mind Love (group exhibit), Jan. 22-Feb. 9, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

2024

• Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (group exhibit), July 12-14, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Jordan Art Gallery (guest artist exhibit), June 1 - 30, Jordan, Ontario, Canada

• Deep Water Gallery (group exhibit), Mar.9-Apr.30, Wiarton, Ontario, Canada​

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AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS​

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• 2026 - Top 100, Target Prize International Juried Painting Contest

• 2026 - Finalist, AcrylicWorks 13 International Juried Competition, Artists' Network

• 2026 - Finalist, Artists Magazine, AcrylicWorks 13: The Best of Acrylic, Annual Juried Competition

• 2026 - Finalist, International Artist Magazine, Favorite Subjects, Juried International Competition #153

• 2026 - First Prize, Federation of Canadian Artists, Toronto Chapter, Fresh Paint Exhibit, Leslie Grove Gallery, Toronto

• 2026 - Honourable Mention, Circle Foundation for the Arts, New York Group Show Contest

• 2025 - Honourable Mention, Federation of Canadian Artists, Limitless, Juried International Exhibit

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PUBLICATIONS

 

2026

• Artists Magazine, Best of Acrylic, Fall Special Issue

• International Artist Magazine, June/July Issue #169

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AFFILIATIONS

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• Elected Member, Society of Canadian Artists

• Exhibiting Member, Federation of Canadian Artists, Toronto

• Associate Member, International Guild of Realism

• Associate Member, National Oil & Acrylic Painter's Society