Short Bio

Caribbean-Canadian figurative/portrait artist

Biography

Angela Francis is a Canadian-Caribbean artist whose vibrant figurative work explores identity, empowerment, and the beauty of the human form. Her creative journey blends education, cultural storytelling, and a strong commitment to community.

Angela studied Fine Art and holds a certificate in Art Fundamentals from Georgian College (Barrie, Ontario). She later earned her Bachelor of Visual Arts from the University of the West Indies (Trinidad & Tobago) after teaching at T.A. Marryshow College in Grenada. Over a decade spent living and working across Canada and the Caribbean helped shape her inclusive approach and broaden her artistic vision.

Heavily influenced by sculpture and photography, Angela’s work is known for its attention to balance, form, and expressive movement. Drawing on classical techniques and human anatomy, she uses bright, vibrant colours to center stories of womanhood and resilience.

Angela’s artwork is held in private collections in Canada and abroad. She has been featured in television interviews, print media, and online publications. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she received community awards and served on the MacLaren Art Centre's Board of Directors as Vice President (2021), juried the City of Barrie Arts Grants (2020), and Making Change’s Black Youth Art Celebration (2024).

After many years dedicated to teaching and mentoring, Angela has re-committed to expanding her personal practice. In 2025, she returned to exhibiting her work, bringing renewed purpose and artistic depth.

As founder of AFFA Studio, Angela created a supportive space for local artists and non-artists to learn and create together. Today, she continues mentoring youth with Making Change, always evolving her craft and staying rooted in her mission to create meaningful art—and help others do the same.

Resume / CV

Angela Francis

Canadian-Caribbean Visual Artist
angela1_ca@yahoo.com • http://linktr.ee/angelafrancis.art • IG @angelafrancis.art

Education

- Bachelor of Visual Arts, University of the West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago
- Certificate in Art Fundamentals, Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario

Exhibitions

- 57th Annual Oshawa Art Association Juried Exhibition, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, ON (2025)
- Spring Art Fair, Camp Samac, Oshawa, ON

Teaching & Mentoring

- Art Mentor, Making Change Organization, Simcoe County (2020 - Ongoing)
- Art Instructor, AFFA Studio – taught art to non-artists and supported local creatives (2014 - 2022)
- Art Instructor, T.A. Marryshow College, Grenada (2003)

Artistic Practice & Mediums

- Figurative drawing & painting
- Acrylic, Oil on Canvas
- Focus on human anatomy, classical techniques, and vibrant colour

Collections & Publications

- barrietoday.ca

Leadership Roles

- Juror, Black Youth Art Celebration, Making Change (2024)
- Juror, City of Barrie Arts Grants (2020)
- Vice President, MacLaren Art Centre Board of Directors (2021)

Awards & Recognition

- 2021 Platinum Winner - Best Art Schools & Lessons, Community Votes Barrie

Professional Development

- Ongoing coursework and independent study
*(You can list specific courses, workshops, or institutions here)*