MELANA BONTRAGER
Artist Statement
I believe everyone has a story to tell. Our stories are comprised of families, conflicts, acquaintances, friendships, loves, and loss. Within our stories, individual experiences can sometimes feel fragmented, out-of-place, useless, or random at best. And yet, we find ourselves able to connect to the stories of others because we identify with the disjointed spaces revealed through honest vulnerability. There is often a captivating beauty that grows from these fragmented places; what once felt pointless, can begin to hold meaning. As we listen to each other’s stories, we discover connections, hope, and a reminder that we don’t traverse this life alone. These are the themes I explore in my painting.
Artist Bio
Melana Bontrager is originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has additionally lived both in the Midwest and on the East Coast. She obtained a BA in Studio Arts and Psychology from Taylor University in Indiana, and a MA in Creative Art Therapy from Hofstra University in New York. She is drawn to communities in which art and life intersect in rich discussion; inspiring her to explore emotions, thoughts and conflict through the use of ink or graphite line and acrylic color. Melana currently lives in Everett, Washington with her husband and four children. She is currently represented by J.Rinehart Gallery in Seattle and Walker Fine Art in Denver.
MELANA BONTRAGER
Everett, WA
425.315.5339
IG: @mbontragerart
EDUCATION
Spring 1999 MA – Creative Arts Therapy,
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Spring 1997 BFA – Art/Psychology,
Taylor University, Upland, IN
Spring 1996 Photography/Painting/Drawing,
Studio Art Centers International, Florence, Italy
SOLO/FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
2022 Modus Operandi, Walker Fine Art, Denver, CO
2021 Tension and Release, Walker Fine Art, Denver, CO
2021 Other People’s Conversations, J.Rinehart Gallery, Seattle, WA
2019 DeConstructed, Traumhaus Gallery, Snohomish, WA
2019 Art of Story, Michael Birawer Gallery, Seattle, WA
2019 Drawn Into Story, Art and Music Collaboration with Moodybear Music, Everett, WA
2018 Landscape Abstracts, Traumhaus Gallery, Snohomish, WA
2016 Art and Wine, Wicked Cellars Gallery, Painting and Jazz Collaboration Event, Everett, WA
2014 Fresh Paint Artist Festival, Featured artist, Everett, WA
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023 Storefronts, Amazon Campus, Seattle, WA
2021 Juried Alumni Exhibition, Taylor University, Upland, IN
2019 Salon Style, J.Rinehart Gallery, Seattle, WA
2019 Introductions, J.Rinehart Gallery, Seattle, WA
2018 Holiday Show, Michael Birawer Gallery, Seattle, WA
2018 Arts Bestowed, Traumhaus Gallery, Snohomish, WA
2008-2018 Fresh Paint Artist Festival, Juried participant, Everett, WA
2018 Seattle Emerging Arts Fair, Seattle Art Post, Seattle, WA
2018 Bellevue Art Museum Arts Festival, Bellevue, WA
2018 Make Your Mark, Summer National Juried Exhibition, Marin MOCA, Novato, CA
2018 Visual Impressions, Juried group show, Ryan James Fine Arts, Kirkland, WA
2017 4th Annual Living Mark Exhibition, Juried group show, Verum Ultimum, Portland, OR
2017 Emerald Spring Exhibition, Juried group show, Emerald Art Center, Springfield, OR
2017 WAOW Spring Online Exhibit, Juried group show, WAOW
2016 20th Juried Show, Schack Art Center, Juried group show, Everett, WA
2015 Microcosmos, Gallery 621, Juried group show, Benicia, CA
2015 Juried Alumni Exhibition, Taylor University, Juried group show, Upland, IN
2013 17th Juried Show, Schack Art Center, Juried group show, Everett, WA
2011 16th Juried Show, Schack Art Center, Juried group show, Everett, WA
2010 Pacific Northwest Abstract Show, Gallery by the Bay, Group show, Stanwood, WA
2009 Art and Furniture Show, White Sage Studio, Ballard, WA
2009 Art and Architecture, collaboration with TeamTroy Realty, Ballard, WA
2008 Art on the Town, Gallery by the Bay, Bellevue, WA
2007 Spring Show, Gallery by the Bay, Stanwood, WA
2007 Local Art, Lowell Artworks Gallery, Lowell, WA
ART COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
2023 Lead Set Painter, The Sound of Music, Providence Classical Christian School, Bothell, WA
2022 Lead Set Painter, Beauty and the Beast, Providence Classical Christian School, Bothell, WA
2010-2023 H’Arts Auction, Schack Art Center, Art donation/participation, Everett, WA
2016-2020 Pints and Pumpkins, Schack Art Center, Commissioned Art pieces, Everett, WA
2017 Theater Set Design, Commissioned Painted Set, The Dance School, Everett, WA
2016-17 Reflections--Port Gardner Art Competition, Chair, Everett, WA
2016 Reflections--Everett School District Competition, Juror, Everett, WA
2016 WAOW--Women Artists of the West, Associate member
2015 Reflections—PTSA Mukilteo Art Competition, Juror, Mukilteo, WA
2014 Scholastic Art Awards, Juror, Snohomish Co, WA
2013 Schack Art Center, Grant, 2014 art festival poster, Everett, WA
2013 Street Tunes, Commissioned public art piece, Everett, WA
2013 Washington State Art Educators Conference, Presenter, Des Moines, WA
2011 City of Everett Art Collaboration, Commissioned City mural project, Everett, WA