Kathleen Katon Tonnesen
Vancouver, BC
Excited by energy and ideas, Kathleen has developed a mixed media, multidisciplinary approach to her artworks, installations and live productions.
MessageAll Artworks, signed Katon, and Poetry on this website are © Kathleen Tonnesen (Pen name: Kathleen Katon Tonnesen)
We accept credit card, CASH, e-Transfer, and bank wires.
Career Summary
Kathleen Tonnesen (14 July, 1963) is a Canadian self-taught painter (signed as Katon), sculptor, author, poet, and inventor. She was born in Cape Town, South Africa (Kathleen Peers), and immigrated to Canada in 1998. Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology degree from Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia, Canada. She has carved a professional career as a working artist since 1990 and is a respected international artist dedicated to the enhancement of public spaces with meaningful and thought provoking art.
Kathleen is a Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Yoshinkan Aikido who has trained with several leading Aikido teachers in British Columbia. With a background in Early Childhood Education, psychology and acting, she strives to connect families and communities together through the language of art and martial arts. Her passion is children and unleashing the child within the adult, thereby encouraging personal growth. Kathleen is dedicated to inspiring the human spirit and is a frequent motivational guest speaker, and an art and magic tricks workshop instructor. She is very diplomatic, organized, schedule and budget orientated, and has a high degree of excellence in her persona which is reflected in her work.
Excited by ideas, energy, movement and emotion, Kathleen has developed a mixed media, multidisciplinary approach to her artworks, installations and live productions. She believes in allowing the creation to determine its own tools and process toward manifestation, including collaboration with musicians and cutting-edge technology. This is exemplified in her latest upcoming production, Traditional Martial Art (TMA) (2027) a family fun education 90-minute adventure via sensory experience, which utilizes immersive and interactive mixed VR technology, including her own inventions, in a touring 6000 square foot space, providing public awareness of the respectful values of martial arts.
Kathleen strives to find creative ways to overcome life's obstacles including those pertaining to her personal health. For example, after four years of emotionally adjusting to vision loss she has rehabilitated herself by practicing the intensely focused martial art discipline of Yoshinkan Aikido. Anecdotally, she maintains that this discipline has aided her in being able to train her right eye to read again and to be able to draw and paint again. Thus, Kathleen is forging a new pathway forward in 2023 where her new works reflect her ongoing vision improvement and insights regarding light angles and human interactions and connectivity sans sight.
Kathleen inherited her natural artistic talent from her grandfather, Charles Holton Peers (Holly) (circa 1907 - 1954), and was influenced by his charcoal portraiture that hung in her childhood home.
Education:
Thompson Rivers University, B.C., Canada: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Degree (2022)
Douglas College B.C., Canada: Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Diploma (2013), Dean's List; and Performing and Fine Arts Certificate (2014)
Martial Arts: Shodan (1st degree black belt), Yoshinkan Aikido (27 May, 2023)
Upcoming Artist Talks:
2024 October - TBD Surrey, B.C., Canada
Upcoming Exhibits:
2024 August 02 - August 30. Solo exhibit. "Petal Tranquility" at the Mole Gallery, located at the rear of 1157 Pendrell Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Access from Jepson-Young Lane. Large botanicals celebrating colour, scent, upliftment, and healing.
2024 - 2025 Gallery Invitations Welcomed for the Successful Touring Exhibit: Seeing Beyond the Light - The Soul Family Collection. This "exhibit is Kathleen's return to art after a genetic condition affected vision in her right eye. She used her art as a form of rehabilitation to find creative ways to capture the world through the unseen energy that vibrates between souls," TRU Alumni News, July 2023.
How was the exhibit received in 2023?
"Wonderful art." - Hiroko Demichelis, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Vancouver Brain Lab, 2023.
"Kathleen's art is beautifully divine and multidimensional, a true sacred treat for the eye and soul." - Marieke Leliveld, ICU Educator, 2023.
"I was blown away by the Marigold painting! The colours, the form, it was glorious, exultant in fact! I think this was Kathleen's best exhibit ever! I was amazed at how her paintings spoke to so many different people and how much her work evoked deep emotional reactions. In my time there, I saw people fall in love with "Wise King - Wise Queen," "Marigold Magnificence," and the very popular painting of her two granddaughters titled, "Gardener Souls," and many of the other paintings. The Mole Hill Gallery exhibit was so professionally laid out and Kathleen was fabulous, displaying interest in and kindness to everyone. The exhibit was very well attended by a huge diversity of people, many of whom were deeply moved by her art and her story of courage and perseverance. Kathleen's exhibit was indeed a triumphant one and offered a meeting place and a sanctuary of healing to all of those who were present." - Cindy Hops, Meadowridge School Educator, 2023.
PRIOR Art Review by Ms. Cindy Hops, B.Sc., B.S.W., M.Ed., Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, (June 20, 2023).
"Kathleen Katon Tonnesen has spent her life savouring the warmth of the light and attempting to capture its beauty through her paintings. Despite the fact that Kathleen was born without sight in her left eye, or perhaps because of it, she became enchanted with the dance by which light ignites matter.
In an unfortunate twist of fate, the sight in Kathleen's right eye began to dim due to a genetic condition. Determined not to forfeit her relationship with light and form, Kathleen embarked upon a journey to find creative ways to overcome life's obstacles and to capture the world through the unseen energy that vibrates between souls.
This exhibit marks Kathleen's triumphant return to the world of art. After years of emotionally adjusting to vision loss, Kathleen succeeded in rehabilitating herself through her commitment to the intensely focused martial art discipline of Yoshinkan Aikido. This discipline has empowered her to better understand her body, its relationship to space and the abstract understanding of how her mind and spirit move through it. The year of 2023 marks a triumphant one in which her decade-long journey back to empowerment was commemorated with the completion of her Bachelor of Arts, Psychology degree from Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia, Canada, and the receipt of her black belt (Shodan) in Yoshinkan Aikido, and the opening of this exhibit that celebrates the unseen energy that unites us all."
2025 September - Release of Souls, TBD Venue, USA.
2025 October - Florence Biennale, Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy. The Florence Biennale is the major contemporary art exhibition in Florence, Italy - Mona Youssef Gallery.
Self-Published Books:
2024 NEW Poetry book coming soon!
2024 NEW Updated Edition coming soon - 2020 January A Hummingbird in December Collection of Short Stories by Kathleen Katon Tonnesen.
"Kathleen Katon Tonnesen’s new collection of short stories, A Hummingbird in December, is bookended by a matching pair of poems from which this volume draws its name. That is perfectly fitting, because the six short stories within her book are woven together beautifully with the silver and gold threads of poetic writing throughout. In the story “Comparison,” Tonnesen finds the poetry in night time: “the mountainous horizon etched black against a starlit sky.” In another story, “Chilliwack Pie,” she observes the land from a Cessna 172 in the air: “the red cranberry fields transform into a patchwork quilt embroidered with gold, interrupted only by the reflecting waters of the winding Fraser River.” Tonnesen also has a fine ear for the dialects and nuances of speech among her characters. My favorite story was “Seahorses.” But the reader will find wisdom, fine storytelling and lovely writing throughout this book." - Richard Merli, Editorial Director, October Hill Magazine New York, USA., 2020.
2019 November Two Souls on a Moonbeam Love Poetry & Verse available in stores, on Amazon and on Kindle. Two Souls on a Moonbeam is a modern love story of two creative souls, artist and musician, separated by distance, who fall in love online and have a poetry texting and phone relationship. The story is the never ending hopefulness of lovers and the importance of words.
Reviews:
"Kathleen Katon Tonnesen’s new collection of poetry, Two Souls On A Moonbeam, resonates with love and passion. Tonnesen finds the pulse of love not just in the depths of the human soul, but in the beauty and graphic imagery of everyday things, including the details and colors of autumn leaves. What is truly remarkable about her new work is that she distills that most profound human emotion of love down to its bare essence, often in just a few words. In her poem “Waterfall,” she writes that her love is “like the splendor and power of this waterfall.” Her work is gilded with the beautifully conceived images only lovers can know." - Richard Merli, Managing Director, October Hill Magazine, New York, USA., 2019.
"Tonnesen invites us to transcend time and step into the whirl and swirl of this powerful book of love poetry. It is laced with spirituality, touching on the esoteric and ethereal, while adeptly sketching the hubris of reincarnation and karma and expounding on the powerful pull of magnetism between soul mates." - Candice James, Poet Laureate Emerita, New Westminster, BC., CANADA, 2019.
2019 July How to Draw Step-by-Step Charcoal Portraits for Beginners available in stores, on Amazon and on Kindle.
"I have created an easy to practice guide, demonstrating simple portrait steps for beginners. I love charcoal! Charcoal affords the artist the opportunity to sculpt with dust, by building layers of charcoal and then softening the lines with your fingertips. Massaging the dust into the contours of the facial features and removing the highlighted areas with a kneaded eraser, is for me almost a 3D experience - as I move the charcoal into the energy of my sitter. I am a self-taught artist. I remember as a young child of six, being hungry for knowledge of how to bring my drawings to life in the manner of Beatrix Potter. I loved Peter Rabbit and the washed irregular brush strokes visible in her illustrations. As I grew older, at eight, I would marvel at the wrinkles, dark skin, and character lines of an African man my grandfather, Charles Holton Peers, had sketched in charcoal and graphite, that hung proudly in our home. Thus began, my life long love affair with charcoal and it is my hope that you will fall in love with charcoal too!" - Kathleen Katon Tonnesen, 2019.
Self-Published Children’s Book:
2011 Matteo's Frightening Bone print available on Amazon and as an EBook for Amazon Kindle.
Based on a True Story - Something was bothering Five year old Matteo. What was it? What was causing his FEAR and how did he overcome it? Matteo's Frightening Bone is an exceptional lesson in pinpointing one's fear through the visual language of art. Incorporating the use of word images Kathleen Katon Tonnesen encourages young minds to expand beyond their preconceived boundaries.
Interviews:
2023, July. ARTISTS AMONG US The West End Journal [email protected]
2020, January. "Run With It" TV/online Novus (TELUS) TV & YouTube & social media posts, interview by host Christine Blanchette with guest artist and author Kathleen Tonnesen.
Podcast - Full interview (24 min) on Apple, Spotify and Listen Notes.
2020 TV interview Part 2: Vancouver artist, Kathleen Tonnesen, shares her inspiration for the painting "Seawall Ascension" with host Christine Blanchette. Produced by "Run With It" TV Christine Blanchette; Camera, Ezra Wood @ezra_wood; Hair and Makeup, Sammy Tomita @snoww.whyte
2019, January 01. Self-Discovery Radio Youtube and C19-01 Sound Cloud interview by Sara Troy. TO SEE BEYOND SIGHT! with Kathleen Tonnesen.
Statement
In her own words: "I wish I could reach inside of you, touch upon your hidden hurts, release them like the Dove of Peace and help you walk anew" - Kathleen Katon Tonnesen, 2001.
This is the maxim by which I live and subsequently permeates all that I create. By the very nature of our birth, we will all face our death – what matters most, is that we truly “Live” in between. To live is to experience the highest potential of our physical being; to plunge the depths and heights of our emotional being; to challenge and expand our intellectual capabilities and curiosities; to harness the energy of the metaphysical, collaborating with like-minds, beyond mind – energy to energy, thought to manifested creation. Artists are their own best therapists as at no time can we deny what's going on inside. No matter how ceramic the mask for social gatherings, when heart and medium meet - our soul stares back revealing our truth. In the process of creating, we process our healing. The visual language of Art is my playground of expression.
Goal:
My ultimate goal is to conduct research on the possible effects to be found within brain circuitry as a direct result of learning drawing skills from real life studies. This, with the intention of gaining statistical data in support of my argument pertaining to the educational benefits of including visual fine art instruction in school curriculums.
My personal belief is that we are, you are, as is everything, creations/art in motion. As every atom of your very being is in constant motion, interacting with the necessary components that together generate your life. The tree breathes out, you breathe in. Both require the service of the other. Your mind observes this. Your mind ponders on whence it came into being. Chemical to chemical, we feed our mouths food. However, when the desire for foods which are detrimental to our health insist upon being ingested as a coping mechanism for our daily living, then you are no different from the drug addict whose chemicals are more obvious, and then we abhor his weakness, unable to reorient his life toward a more healthy outcome. Yet we are the same as him or her. Life is challenging for everyone. I believe that by encouraging people to learn basic drawing skills from real life studies, will strengthen and generate new synaptic connections. Thus enabling a cognitive process, which will result in an ability to see broader fields of vision and to think more dynamically. Furthermore, improving decision making skills and self awareness by insisting on viewing multiple viewpoints -what is actually in front of you; contexts -the environment in which things are visible, e.g., lighting, sound - sensory stimulation and responses and reactions triggered by said environment. Extrapolation of the simplicity of where does the impetus/movement come from, and where does it go? Consequences of said movement, responses and reactions chosen. Believe it or not, these connections in thinking, are enhanced and transferable into daily living, by drawing skills practiced from real life exercises - Kathleen Katon Tonnesen 2016.
Influences:
Auguste Rodin; Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec; Vladimir Tretchikoff; Beatrix Potter; the black and white action packed drawings of war comics as a child; and our natural environments. Moreover, Kathleen inherited her natural artistic talent from her grandfather, Charles Holton Peers (Holly) (circa 1907 - 1954), and was influenced by his charcoal portraiture that hung in her childhood home.
Recommendations:
"I first ran into Kathleen when she approached me about an art project she was working on, to see whether she could get some publicity. I was absolutely blown away by her talent, as well as her commitment to public art.
I then hired her to do a very small project for my newspaper, which she did with superb skill and creativity. I have no hesitation in saying that whether the project is large or small, Kathleen has a huge amount of talent to offer, and she brings passion to the table in spades.
Besides all of that, she has a zest for life that is especially refreshing, and her enthusiasm for whatever it is that she sets her mind to seems to know no bounds." - Robert Prince, 2011.
"Kathleen Katon Tonnesen is a creative machine! As the Art Director for WORLD MEMORIAL, Maestro Kathleen worked day and night, in collaboration with various artists and communities, to create a national gift of healing for 9/11 family members, survivors and first responders. Under her leadership and hand, Kathleen built the 18’ tall “Release of Souls” tribute sculpture, composed two dozen songs, toured across North America, has written grant proposals, developed a children's "Wings of Peace" program, and designed murals for the 40-foot "One Day Changed Our World" semi-truck. Her dedication, drive and talents are a true inspiration! Our sincere appreciation and admiration!" - AA Pilot, Brus Messinger, 2011.
“Kathleen Tonnesen is a respected artist dedicated to the enhancement of our public spaces with meaningful and thought provoking art. While she is a citizen of the world, she has a strong desire to contribute to the cultural heritage of Canada and British Columbia. She has previously designed, produced, organized and toured a significant mixed media concept here and in the USA. Kathleen is a dynamic, focused and inventive worker with both creative ability and organizational skills. Her ideas are always interesting.” - Robert Genn, Canadian Artist (1936 - 2014).
Capital Raise in Progress:
2016 - 2026 Katon Artist Productions Inc., for the upcoming immersive mixed VR Traditional Martial Art adventure experience (TMA) "The Journey of Budo" intimacy with the Masters' series.
The co-creators of TMA are Canadian artists and martial artists, Kathleen Tonnesen and Tin Ma.
Print News Items:
2023 July. TRU Alumni News. "TRU Alum feature in art exhibit 'Seeing Beyond the Light - The Soul Family Collection.' Kathleen Tonnesen (BA '22) will be featured in an art exhibition at the Mole Gallery in Vancouver. The exhibit is Kathleen's return to art after a genetic condition affected vision in her right eye. She used her art as a form of rehabilitation to find creative ways to capture the world through the unseen energy that vibrates between souls. . . . Kathleen [Katon Artist Productions Inc.] is also one of over 180 TRU alumni found on the TRU Alumni Business Directory."
2019 December 27 Sherbrooke Record e-Edition A Runner’s Mind Canadian Kathleen Tonnesen inspires as artist, author, poet and inventor. Interview by Christine Blanchette.
2015 October 28 Amelia Douglas Gallery presents art from Douglas College community. By Cheryl Minns.
2013 August 7 9/11 artist turns to Early Childhood Education By Tamara Letkeman, doug Editor, web link.
Professional Training Instructor:
2013 to present - Creating and conducting original Professional Development courses for teachers and adults
Clients Include: Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre - YWCA Metro Vancouver - YMCA, Child Care Resource and Referral, 1130C Austin Avenue, Coquitlam - North Shore Community Resources CCRR
Platform: In Person Training
- Introduction to Neuropsychology for ECEs and Adults. Module One: Children's Learning and Memory. (2 or 4 hours) (Maximum students 40) - Professional Development for ECE Teachers: I love studying the brain, and no, you do not have to be a rocket scientist to explore this fascinating subject of Neuropsychology. This introductory workshop will increase your understanding of how the brain affects behaviour and how behaviour affects the brain. Why do we forget? Why do we remember? How do we learn? And, how can we create fun educational experiences that may enhance long-term memory function? I look forward to your participation in this journey of discovery.
- Introduction to Biological Psychology for ECEs and Adults. Module One: Vision and Perception. (2 or 4 hours) (Maximum students 40) - Professional Development for ECE Teachers: Due to my own vision impairment I have a particular interest in understanding how the eye, as an extension of the brain, perceives our reality. As we are sensory beings our psychological understanding of ourselves and of others is primarily governed by visual cues that influence our perceptions of our reality. By expanding our knowledge of the mechanisms at work within the eye and brain visual system, we improve our appreciation for the numerous parts of the brain that contribute differently to our vision. This workshop invites you to see the phenomenal feat of engineering within your brain.
- Introduction to Evolutionary Psychology for ECEs and Adults. Module One: Exploring Adaptive Parenting and Kinship Problems and Why They Persist Today. (2 or 4 hours) (Maximum students 40)
- AikidoBC SOWAKAN Self-Defence For Adult Beginners: An Early Childhood Educator Special Event. (2 or 4 hours) Female Martial Art Instructor for ECEs: Kathleen Tonnesen (Maximum students 25). Full physical contact activity. Flexible times between: Monday (1:00 pm - 6:00 pm); Wednesday (1:00 pm - 5:45 pm); Saturday (9:30 am - 1:30 pm). By arrangement with Kathleen and AikidoBC Dojo. Location: 487 Alexander St. Vancouver, BC V6A 1C6 Canada.
- Beginners Drawing Skills for Adults (2 hours) - Professional Development for ECE Teachers and Adult Caregivers: Learning to draw enhances your communication skills using the visual language of art. Develop your cognitive skills, improve your self-confidence and learn how to teach your new drawing skills to children.
- Beginners Drawing Skills for Adults and Drawing with Young Children (4 hours) - Professional Development for ECE Teachers and Adult Caregivers: Every line, every mark on a creation, tells a story. Drawing skills foster the language of art as an expressive medium for meaningful conversations through storytelling and self-reflection. Drawing skills expand on the multiple modes of communication where educators listen to and honour the incredible range of expressive languages children use to communicate. Learning to draw enhances an educator's communication skills, using the visual language of art to create dynamic teachers. Develop your cognitive skills, improve your self-confidence, and learn how to teach your new drawing skills to children in simple fun ways, every day.
- Explore how to see with an artist’s eye.
- Understand how basic geometric shapes govern our understanding of what we see.
- Discover how light sourcing influences what we see and how light wraps form.
- Appreciate how our emotional state is affected by our environment and expressed in our art.
- Beginners Magic Tricks for ECEs and Adults (2 hours or 4 hours) - Professional Development for ECE Teachers: Enhances your drama, storytelling and circle time activities. No experience required. A participatory workshop with step-by-step instruction of foundational magic techniques and direction as to how to incorporate magic into your existing repertoire. A myriad of skills are honed in the domain of magic play: Children develop critical thinking skills by observing magic tricks and extend their language vocabulary and dramatic skills while performing magic tricks under your guidance - without you giving the trick away!
2024 October 19 - North Shore Community Resources CCRR. Beginners Magic Tricks for ECEs (2 hours)
2024 July 20 - YMCA Child Care Resource and Referral, 1130C Austin Avenue, Coquitlam, B.C., Canada. Introduction to Neuropsychology: Children's Learning and Memory (4 hours)
2024 March 13 - Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre, 2772 East Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Beginners Magic Tricks for ECEs (2 hours)
2024 January 27 - Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre, 2772 East Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Beginners Drawing Skills for Adults and Drawing with Young Children (4 hours)
2023 December 07 - YWCA Metro Vancouver. YWCA Hotel 733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Beginners Magic Tricks for ECEs (2 hours)
2023 May 06 - YMCA Child Care Resource and Referral, 1130C Austin Avenue, Coquitlam, B.C., Canada. Beginners Magic Tricks for ECEs (4 hours)
2023 January 21 - Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre, 2772 East Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Beginners Magic Tricks for ECEs
2022 June 11 - Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre, 2772 East Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Beginners Drawing Skills and Drawing with Young Children
2019 July 06 - Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre, B.C., Canada. Drawing with Young Children: Beginners Drawing Skills
2016 October 22 - Opus Art Supplies, Granville Island, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Step-By-Step Guide: Charcoal Portraits for Beginners
2016 June 16 - YMCA Community Resource Centre, 4460 Beresford Street, Burnaby, B.C., Canada. Beginners Drawing Skills for ECE Teachers.
2016 April 07 - YMCA Community Resource Centre, 4460 Beresford Street, Burnaby, B.C., Canada. Beginners Magic Tricks for ECE Teachers.
(Full list available on request)
PERFORMANCE POETRY:
2014 Royal City Poets Anthology 2014 - Book Launch - Kathleen Tonnesen reads her poem "Wind-Up Toy Revolt" Poetry Copyright Kathleen Tonnesen.
2013 Royal City Poets Anthology 2013 - Book Launch - Kathleen Tonnesen reads her poem "Seahorses". Poetry Copyright Kathleen Tonnesen.
2012 Royal City Poets Anthology 2012 - Book Launch - Kathleen Tonnesen reads her poems "SPIN" and "Eternal Soul". Poetry Copyright Kathleen Tonnesen.
2012 November 25 - Poetic Justice. Featuring Artist, Poet, Kathleen Tonnesen, reading "Returning To Saturnalia" @ Heritage Grill, New Westminster, B.C., Canada. Poetry Copyright Kathleen Tonnesen.
2012 November 25 - Poetic Justice. Featuring Artist, Poet, Kathleen Tonnesen, reading "Watching”; “Words” and “Presence” @ Heritage Grill, New Westminster, B.C., Canada. Poetry Copyright Kathleen Tonnesen.
2011 Royal City Poets Anthology 2011 - Book Launch - Kathleen Tonnesen reads her poems, "Embrace Life or Not?" and "Twisted Stab". Poetry Copyright Kathleen Tonnesen.
Volunteer Radio:
2012 - 2013 Radio Host for twelve shows "The Storytelling Show" www.coopradio.org
2013 September 29. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed the fast emerging Queen of Urban Folk, BETH SOUTHWELL. Music by BETH SOUTHWELL produced by Jesse Waldman.
2013 August 04. Royal City Poets Anthologies 2011 and 2012 published by Silver Bow Publishing. Kathleen Tonnesen read selected poems by Candice James, Lorre Gibson, Sylvia Taylor, Janet Kvammen, Jo Martinez, Alexandra Zlotnik and Mickey Bickerstaff. Music by BETH SOUTHWELL.
2013 July 07. Is your spouse cheating? Woman detectives? Why are detectives needed for online dating? Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Kathy Matak from Baker Street Agency. Music FIONA BLACKBURN, Land of Passages CD.
2013 April 28. Parent Alert! $10 a Day Child Care Plan, What is it? Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Emily Mlieczko, Executive Director, Early Childhood Educators of BC. Music by PAMELA SUNSHINE "Growing Up Green" CD.
2013 February 24. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Lori O'Connell Sensei, author of the two books, "Weapons Of Opportunity" and "When the Fight Goes to the Ground: Jiu-jitsu Strategies and Tactics for Self-Defense" A Book/DVD Combo. Music by GLENDA RAE "Another Day" CD.
2013 January 20. Kathleen Tonnesen introduced two incredible books which demystify and provoke thought. “look me in the eye” my life with asperger’s, by John Elder Robison and Early Childhood Curricula and the De-pathologizing of Childhood by Rachel M. Heydon and Luigi Iannacci. Music by “YOU’LL SEE The Anniversary Quartet Live at The Cellar” Produced by CORY WEEDS.
2012 December 09. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Candice James, Poet Laureate of the City of New Westminster, B.C., Canada. Music by CANDICE JAMES.
2012 November 25. Kathleen Tonnesen hosted "The Storytelling Show" posing the question, "Media Literacy - Why Should Women Care?" Music by DONNIE WALSH CD "DOWNCHILD, I need a Hat"
2012 October 7. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Artist, Author and world traveller, Nyla Sunga. Music by GLENDA RAE from her CD "Another Day"
2012 August 19. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Ruona K. Asplund, Author of the book "The Dancing Peppers." Music by GLENDA RAE from her CD "Another Day"
2012 June 24. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Author and Environmental Activist, Annette LeBox "Circle of Cranes" - Music by the "MILES BLACK TRIO" Some Enchanted Evening CD - LIVE recording at The Cellar Restaurant and Jazz Club.
2012 April 29. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Dr. Laurie Kocher, Project Director for the Wonder of Learning: The Hundred Languages of Children Exhibit from Reggio Emilia, Italy. Music by FIONA BLACKBURN, Land of Passages CD.
2012 March 04. Kathleen Tonnesen interviewed Artist, Poet and Author, Ruona K. Asplund. Music by FIONA BLACKBURN, Land of Passages CD.
HISTORY
2002 July 03 – present. Owner, Katon Artist Productions Inc. KAP.
Workshop and seminar organizer for Artists, Authors, Poets, Musicians and Actors:
2008 “The Beauty of Human Anatomy” - Guest Sculptor Robert L. Landry, MI., USA.
1990 - present. Artist - Private tutor of Fine Art.
Public Art:
2008 Mural, Serenity Wall, height 13ft x length 60ft, Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association.
2006 BC LIONS Soc. Spirit Bears in the City, Pertinacity Bear, Vancouver Sun.
Exhibit History USA:
2006 September. Release of Souls, New York, Inwood Hill Park Manhattan, USA.
2005 June. Release of Souls, PennWell FDIC WEST, Los Angeles Convention Center, CA., USA.
2005 February. Release of Souls, Cygnus Firehouse World Expo, San Diego Convention Center, USA.
2004 September/October. Release of Souls, USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego, CA., USA.
Concert Producer, Director and Exhibit:
2004 September 11. Release of Souls Concert, Balboa Park Organ Pavilion, San Diego, California, USA.
2004 September 03. Release of Souls Concert, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, California, USA.
2003 November 07. Release of Souls Concert, The Seaforth Highlanders Armoury, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
2003 September 11. Release of Souls Concert, ACT Theatre Maple Ridge, B.C., Canada.
Exhibit Canada:
2024 August 02 - August 30. Solo exhibit. "Petal Tranquility" at the Mole Gallery, located at the rear of 1157 Pendrell Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Access from Jepson-Young Lane. Large botanicals celebrating colour, scent, and healing.
2023 July 07 - July 28. Solo exhibit. "Seeing Beyond the Light - The Soul Family Collection" at the Mole Gallery, located at the rear of 1157 Pendrell Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Access from Jepson-Young Lane.
2019 July 05 - 29. Solo exhibit. A Gift of Vision at The Mole Gallery, West End Vancouver, BC., Canada. A Gift of Vision is an eclectic art exhibit by Kathleen Katon Tonnesen. Kathleen shares her journey thus far, adapting to vision loss and the impact it has on her creativity going forward.
2016 May 26 - 29. Art Fair. Art! Vancouver, Vancouver Convention Centre-East Building, British Columbia, Canada.
2015 October 29. December 11. Group exhibit. Amelia Douglas Gallery "Avocations", Douglas College, New Westminster Campus.
2015 May 21-24. Art Fair. Art! Vancouver, Vancouver Convention Centre-East Building, B.C., Canada.
2011 November. Group exhibit. NWA New Works Exhibit, The River Market, Quayside Drive, New Westminster, B.C., Canada.
2008 April. Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Art Studio Tour.
2002 September, 11. Solo exhibit. Release of Souls Paintings, Ridge Meadows Ministerial Assoc. Maple Ridge, B.C.
2001 September. Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Art Studio Tour, B.C., Canada.
2000 February/March. Fort Langley, B.C., Canada. Group exhibit. Fraser River Art School and Gallery.
Competitions:
1993 Finalist - Natal Arts Trust Biennale 5 Exhibition, Durban Art Gallery, South Africa.
1979 Gold Diploma Art Section, Higher Group - Cape Town Eisteddfod, South Africa (High school: Kathleen Peers)
Wrap-around-Murals:
2015 St. Barnabas Daycare - The Environment as the Third Teacher. 1005 Napanee St, New Westminster, B.C.
2012 "KenChilli - The Environment as the Third Teacher" Burnaby, B.C. - Private home.
2001 ‘Niefer and Friends’ Maple Ridge, B.C. - Private home.
1999 Cloverdale Visitor Info. Cloverdale, B.C. - Highway #10 - Windows.
1998 Nursing Department South Africa, Kwazulu Natal Technikon – Three storey high Stairwell.
1997 La Mirage B&B South Africa, Essenwood rd. Durban (50 square feet +) Domed Ceiling.
1996 Health & Racquet Fitness Club South Africa, Kloof, Durban - Child Minding room.
Instruction of Art classes B.C. Canada:
After School Art lessons for Elementary students.
2006 - 2009 Meadowridge School, Maple Ridge, B.C.
2000 - 2001 Canadian Arts Outreach and Fraser River Art School and Gallery/various Schools.
Professional Actor - Theatre, Film and Television:
1979 - 2001 Canada and South Africa - performed in film, television and in numerous theatrical productions, including a South African schools touring program and as a background performer in the Canadian film The Rhino Brothers
Musical concept and collaborative songwriter:
2001 – 2006 Miles Black & Talisman Music, 1-800-600-7127, Release of Souls CD: Release of Souls, One Color for a Day, Wings of Peace, Five Loaves Two Fish, Father Judge, Never Forget.
Passion:
Her passion is children and unleashing the child within the adult, thereby encouraging personal growth.
Activities and interests:
Art, writing, martial arts, acting, theatre, music, chess, travel-adventure, hiking, horses and ducks.
Volunteer History:
Over 25 years of volunteer history in South Africa, Canada and the USA, serving terms as President and Vice-President, which included attending executive meetings and voting on any charity/club action or constitutional changes. The donation of personal services including: Creative concepts; slogans and logos; song writing; art director; concert producer and director; art exhibit organizer; radio host; editing; proofreading; and the creation and donation of many artworks to different causes.
Examples:
2020 September - present. Assistant Instructor Kids' Classes AIKIDOBC (ages 6 - 13). Children are taught traditional Yoshinkan Aikido.
2019 November 22 - 23. Judge for UBC Debate Society, 2019 Fall High School Tournament, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
2016 June 29 – July 2. Human Behavior and Evolution Society conference www.hbes.com/hbes2016/
2014 - 2015 Honour House, New Westminster, B.C., Canada.
2013 - 2014 Board Member, Step by Step Child Development Society, Coquitlam, B.C., Canada.
Previous: Radio Host for "The Storytelling Show" www.coopradio.org BC LIONS Society, Spirit Bears in the City; Release Of Souls artwork, Release of Souls Signature Concert of International Healing; WORLD MEMORIAL USA, One Day Changed our World – 39.5’x8’ Truck Decal Honor Roll; Bunting Coady Architects, Vancouver, The Hands That Built America, WTC Design Competition, Artist; Quantum Gymnastics B.C., Judge Provincial level trampoline and double-mini, assisted in organizing club events; Pathways Special Needs School, Kloof, South Africa, Art play - provided one-on-one learning.
References: Excellent references available upon request.
Book Illustrations:
2013 “I Feel Like Singing” by Author, Leng-Ya Peng. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
1994 “Sivakashela Ezu: A Visit to the Zoo” Author, Colleen Ryan. Sunshine Books, Edenvale, South Africa.
1992 “Ukuvakashela Emaphandleni” Zulu/Eng. Author, C. Ryan. Sunshine Books, Edenvale, South Africa.
PUBLICATIONS:
Poetry
2014 Royal City Poets Anthology 2014, Silver Bow Publishing, New Westminster, B.C., Canada.
2013 Royal City Poets Anthology 2013, Silver Bow Publishing, New Westminster, B.C., Canada.
2012 Royal City Poets Anthology 2012, Silver Bow Publishing, New Westminster, B.C., Canada.
2011 Royal City Poets Anthology 2011, Silver Bow Publishing, New Westminster, B.C., Canada.
Personal projects in progress:
2025 Proposed TV Art show for Children - “Giant Palette” educational series. Author, Songwriter and Poet.
Powered by Artwork Archive