Monica Tap facts for kids

Monica Tap (born 1962) is a talented Canadian painter and teacher. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, and shares her knowledge at the University of Guelph. Monica Tap is famous for her unique approach to painting landscapes and still life. She often finds new ways to look at these traditional art styles.

About Monica Tap

Monica Tap was born in Edmonton, Alberta. She studied art at several places. These include the Alberta College of Art and the University of Alberta. She also earned her BFA (1990) and MFA (1996) degrees from NSCAD University. During her studies, she learned from the artist Gerald Ferguson. Today, Monica Tap is a professor at the University of Guelph. She teaches in the School of Fine Art and Music.

Her Art Style

Monica Tap often uses photographs and video clips for her paintings. She uses them as a starting point for her art. For example, in her exhibition called Running on Empty, she painted landscapes. She took digital photos from a car window while driving. These photos were a bit blurry, like a moving video.

Even though the images were blurry, her paintings were not fully abstract. They showed a sense of movement and time. Art experts have noted that her work helps us see how looking at art can keep painting exciting. She shows how art can still be fresh and new today.

Monica Tap's art has been shown all over Canada. Her work has also been displayed in other countries. You can find her art represented by MKG127 in Toronto. She is also represented by Peter Robertson Gallery in Edmonton.

Awards and Recognition

Monica Tap has received many awards for her artistic work. Here are some of them:

• 2008 Banff Centre for the Arts, "Artist in a Mountain Landscape"
• 2005-2009 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Research/ Creation Grant in Fine Art
• 2005 Warren Goldring Scholarship, Banff, Optic Nerve Residency
• 2005 Open Studio Print Residency, Toronto, Ontario
• 2002 Banff Centre for the Arts, "New Works"

Where Her Art Is Kept

Monica Tap's paintings are part of many important art collections. These include both public and private collections. Some of the places where her art can be seen are:

• Art Gallery of Alberta
• Art Gallery of Guelph
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• Tom Thomson Art Gallery
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (in NYC and Berlin)
• Canada House (in London, UK)
• Bank of Montréal
• TELUS
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Scotiabank
• Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts
• ESSO Imperial Oil Canada
• CIBC Mellon
• University of Toronto
• Würth Collection (Germany)
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art