Ashley Tower
Ashley Tower is a Métis Artist who was born in Selkirk, Manitoba and currently resides nearby in St. Clements.
She specializes in small, life size and large scale photo realism.
Throughout her life Ashley has always been fascinated by art. This interest was cultivated during her school years and further developed when she opted for a profession as a tattoo artist. Upon completion of her tattooing apprenticeship, Ashley opened her own business in 2011; blackneon, which is a private studio also located in St. Clements. Ashley’s style and quality of workmanship has made her a sought after professional artist, tattooing clients from all over the Interlake region and some who even travel from out of province or even across the border.
In 2019, she took her artistic career a step further by beginning muralist mentoring with Charlie Johnston, another Selkirk artist who has been painting murals across the globe for over 30 years. Through Charlie’s instruction and teaching, Ashley has worked on numerous large scale murals, some installed onto building facades, some painted indoors directly onto walls and others that are yet waiting to be erected in their forever homes. Some of these include “The Healing Path” in Selkirk, the “Legacy of Love” MMIWG2S interactive mural (yet to be installed at the Selkirk Gaynor family library), and the “Candace Memories Show and Shine” car show mural which is an exclusive collaboration between Ashley and Charlie, and will be installed in Selkirk in May 2021.
Ashley has sold numerous pieces of artwork directly and has also undertaken many commissioned pieces.
She has become actively involved in the arts community –showcasing her work, coordinating art shows, providing workshops, youth art classes, paint nights, and assisting with fundraising. Ashley’s fun and upbeat informative workshops have been an inspiration to young artists.
Many of these young artist workshops were provided to underprivileged and at risk youth who wouldn’t otherwise have access to art teaching and supplies.
Ashley’s hosted a solo show in May 2019 at Node.594 and held numerous “First Friday’s in the exchange” at the same location for the year leading up to Covid related lockdowns. At these first Friday events she invited many artists, crafters, builders and also local comedians and musical acts to perform and come together in a safe and supportive environment. She exhibits her art at various local cooperatives and also displays at the Gwen Fox Gallery which she is a member.
She hopes to continue working in the arts, collaborating with other artists and strives to improve and excel in any way she can.
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