Meet the Artist, Lisa Tolnai | Artspace Southern Illinois Women’s Exhibition

Exhibition: Joy & Discovery—Diverse Expression

Celebrating the art of seven Southern Illinois women artists

Meet Featured Artist: Lisa Tolnai

Lisa Tolnai's artwork has a way of capturing your attention, ranging from pieces with a quiet beauty to those that are boldly whimsical, all of which reflect her warmth and wit that shine through.

Ultimately, Tolnai creates because she has to, feeling that creativity is an innate part of who she is. While she creates for herself, she shared:

"I wonder if it will resonate with other people," stating that her main hope and what brings her joy is, "If it makes people happy."

And her artwork does exactly that.

Finding Inspiration and Embracing the Surreal

A dedicated animal lover, Tolnai's art often features animals—including her work in pet portraiture—and her three cats, who often shape the direction of her pieces. She is inspired by artists who "can capture the soul of an animal," and works to bring this to her own art. Additionally, Tolnai draws influence from modern furniture design, with its clean lines, simplicity, and calm. The result is an ever-interesting and curious blend of austere beauty and realism paired with a sense of the surreal.

In her artwork, Tolnai also embraces imaginative and playful surrealism. These pieces play with reality in ways that spark curiosity, giving her work a distinctive personality and charm.

Her wit and whimsy are abundantly evident in her work. “I hope my art makes people smile.”

Coming Back to Her Passion

She grew up in a family of artists and began exploring her own creative abilities at a young age. Though she stepped away for a time, she kept her creativity alive through personal crafting. During COVID, she found herself returning to her art and began painting, with acrylics becoming her primary focus as she spent evenings and weekends rediscovering her passion.

See Her Work On View Now & Pieces for Purchase

Tolnai's captivating art, along with her wit and whimsy, are on full display now at Artspace Southern Illinois—On the Strip with select pieces for purchase. Come by to view a selection of Tolnai’s artwork, alongside work from other remarkable Southern Illinois women artists. Plus, support these local artists and our work as a cultural arts nonprofit with your purchase.