by Monika Blichar

I always admire people who do different things. Mel’s Big Art is no exception to people who do different things and I was thrilled when her submission came in for Art World Expo Edmonton at the Muttart on March 16, 2018. Melanie Schoenberger does custom art and woodburning which we just don’t see a lot of in the Art World. She describes herself as a Canadian self taught Artist focusing on Woodburning Pyrography, Acrylic, Charcoal, Multimedia painting and drawing. I caught up with her to learn more about her work and what she will be bringing to our event this year.

1-When did you start making art?

I started making art at a very young age as my father was a self taught artist. So he was a huge influence.

2-What inspired you to pursue art as a career rather than keep it a personal interest?

I was doing some pieces as gifts for friends and family and then I was occasionally doing commissions for people with always positive feedback. So it became a goal of mine to eventually create it into a business.

3-Your work incorporates a lot of natural wood. Why did you choose this medium?

I work at mill work shop so it started with bringing home scrap pieces of wood and making simple wood boxes with hand draw pyrography designs or painting on them. It slowly progressed into drawing and painting on larger panels. I like the rawness and working with the flaws and flow of the wood grain.

4-What can people expect when they visit your exhibit at Art World Expo Edmonton? Will you have show specials or contests for guests?

This has been the biggest event I’ve been in to promote myself. I am going to do a draw box for a gift card.

5-If you had to explain the Edmonton Arts Scene to someone who hasn’t ever visited Edmonton, what would you tell them about? Where are the best places to find local art?

I’m new to Edmonton so I’m still discovering myself. Looks very promising though.

6-Where do you see your art business in the next five years?

The next 5 years is going to be exciting. I want to be an established artist and make it a full time career.

6-Just for fun: What is your favourite vacation destination?

Paris so far is my ideal vacation destination. I’ve had the opportunity to go there twice. It feeds my artist side with the history and museums. But I do love anywhere with beaches too.

To learn more about Mel’s Big Art visit her website and be sure to stop at her exhibit at the Art World Expo Edmonton on March 16, 2018 at the Muttart Conservatory. Limited tickets remain, get yours today before we are sold out!

Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery in North Vancouver and producer of Art World Expo and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She is always pushing boundaries as an artist and creative entrepreneur. Her love of the arts has been a part of her life since childhood.