Award-winning artist, Grace Tanouye (tan-o-way) was born in Toronto, Ontario and currently resides in, Oakville, Ontario. As an award winning artist, Grace's ability to conceptualize and translate "athletes-in-action" is her distinctive signature on each portrait. The black and white figurative/abstract art works are derived from interviews, observation & photographs. In collaboration with her subjects, they work together to create a unique "one-of-a-kind" personal portrait. Her intense methodical process allows her to capture the essence of the mind, body & spirit. This introspective approach invite audiences to connect with each portrait. As a previous competitive athlete in gynmastics, canoe/kayak and rugby, Grace naturally combines her love for sports and translates her passion into a work of art. Early in her career, she won top juried art awards in drawing, painting & mixed media. She went on to exhibit across Canada (1999 Pan Am Games) and internationally (Australia & Japan). In 2004, Grace was featured in the television show, “My Escape“ (Global TV, Canada). Finally, the highlight of her career was being honoured as the, "Canadian Artist in Residence" at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.