Behind the Canvas

 27 years young, Melissa Brunner (she/they) is an emerging Deaf, Queer, and Disabled multidisciplinary visual artist known for their insightful watercolour portraits that capture subtle nuances in mood and emotion. Melissa's artistry explores facial expressions, various poses, and the interplay of lines and colours. In 2020, Melissa began doing commission work, and in 2021, their artwork was featured in an online exhibition called Deaf Interiors alongside five other Deaf artists. In 2022, Melissa was awarded 2 grant funding from Guelph Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council in her professional development as well as painting socially deviant animals with a quirky perspective. Melissa's passion for community engagement and collective care is evident in their advocacy work for the Deaf and hard of hearing 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  

Instagram: @lissabarts

Email: lissabr.arts@gmail.com