---

Venita Jay is a Toronto-based artist. Her figurative works feature bright colors and dynamic figures and focus on themes such as "Life", "Children", and "Unity". Her works range from more large-scale pieces to detailed miniatures in a variety of media including acrylics, watercolor, gouache, ink, and charcoal.

Many of Venita's works capture the magic of childhood - the feeling is upbeat with vivid colors and much movement. Her poster, "Playtime", has been displayed in many exhibits and auctions. Her work, "A Winter Night's Quest" was featured on the 1999 Toronto Hospital for Sick Children Foundation Greeting Card. Her work, "Harvest Time" was featured in the 2000 calendar of the Association of Women of Indian Origin.

Venita also writes for a number of publications and many of her stories are illustrated by her own portraits and ink drawings. She also paints and writes about food.

Venita has exhibited in 64 Group/Solo shows and art auctions in Canada and the U.S.A. Venita has donated her original miniature paintings to the Annual Epilepsy Metro Toronto Art Auctions. She has also contributed to the United Way auction. Her original works, "Fun Time" and "My little book of Wonders", were donated to the Reading Room, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.

Venita received an honorable mention in the 38th annual national juried exhibition of The San Diego Art Institute, for her painting entitled, "Marketplace III". Her work has been profiled by CFMT television, Toronto.

Since 2001, Venita is exhibiting her ink drawings and works in several Toronto locations. Her passion for historical monuments and fine architecture is reflected in her "Monuments of India". These intricate ink drawings feature the grandeur of Moghul architecture, the Buddhist Stupas at Sanchi and Sarnat, and the splendor of the Temples of India. Her ink drawings of Rome and Venice were part of the 2002 "Viva Italia" exhibition in Toronto. Venita's love of architecture is also reflected in drawings of historical sites in Toronto and Ottawa. Her drawings often accompany the many travel stories she has written and published.

Venita's work is available as originals and limited edition reproductions. All are professionally framed - Original works range from $350-500 and limited edition reproductions range from $80-95. Greeting cards are also available.

Venita may be contacted at VenitasArt@yahoo.com.