Global Gallery

Melissa Aytenfisu

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Melissa Aytenfisu is a self-taught artist with a concentration in oil paintings. Growing up in a multi-racial family of seven children, Melissa was extremely involved in... read more Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Melissa Aytenfisu is a self-taught artist with a concentration in oil paintings. Growing up in a multi-racial family of seven children, Melissa was extremely involved in community sports and dance activities throughout her childhood. Melissa, whose mother is Canadian and whose father is Ethiopian, danced with an afro-caribbean dance ensemble for several years, earned her black belt from the Wado kai federation of Canada, and played at an elite level of soccer for club teams in Edmonton as well as Montreal. Melissa’s active participation in sports such as soccer, basketball, track and field, karate, volleyball and cross country running directed her artistic interests towards sports art. Her Ethiopian and Canadian heritage also steered her towards a study of mixed race and it’s relevance in sports. After whetting her appetite for fine arts in a high school art class, Melissa took several classes in fine arts while completing her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Alberta and the University of Montreal.