Gina Stepaniuk, born in Toronto Canada, graduated in 1982 as an Associate of Ontario College of Art and Design. Active in the Toronto art community in the early 80's she exhibited her distinctive paintings in several galleries. She also participated by sitting on the exhibition committees of: A Space ( collaborating in the publication of "Issues of Censorship") and the feminist Gallery940.
Although primarily a visual artist, from 1984-1989 her interests in performance and music led to a period as a back up singer. Performing live and recording in Canadian bands such as Bratty and the Babysitters , David Ramsden, and included several years touring both North America and London with singer songwriter Jane Siberry . In 1989 Gina moved to Los Angeles where she formed the jazz quartet, La Dolce Gina performing at various clubs including Atlas Bar and Grill , Luna Park , Highland Grounds , The Gardenia Club and The Pink in Santa Monica.
In 1993 through1998 she worked as a set decorator/painter in Hollywood and by 1998 she returned to painting full-time.
Currently Gina resides with her husband artist Zig Gron in Los Angeles . While primarily a painter she has created and collaborated on multi-media installations including a mentorship with artist Lita Albuquerque. In May of 2009 Gina obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University. Her work was acknowledged by university faculty with a nomination for the prestigious Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant and was also presented with the Claremont President Award for outstanding work. Her unique paintings are informed by the beauty and sublime aspects of nature, exhibited throughout Southern California including Gallery 825/Los Angeles Art Association, The Venice Art Walk, MOCA Fresh at The Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as several solo exhibitions including the Patricia Correia Gallery, Peggy Phelps in Claremont and more recently Ruth Bachofner Gallery at Bergamot Station art complex in Santa Monica. Gina is active in the Los Angeles' art community which includes two years as former board president of the non-profit arts organization Los Angeles Art Association. She teaches privately and has also taught at the Los Angeles United School District magnet school Inner-City Arts for young school children.
