Part-Time Research Assistant, Mystery Painting

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Zia Foley is a multidisciplinary mixed media visual artist who is currently based in Toronto. With a background in world history, international relations, English as a second language education, and fine arts, she has lived and worked abroad throughout much of her career. Exploring the boundaries between representation and abstraction, her artwork aims to encourage contemplation, cross cultural communication, and understanding through playful art creation.

Foley holds a BA in Arts and Contemporary Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University, and an MA in International Studies and Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, England. Unable to find work in her field after graduation she was instead hired as an assistant professor of English and Communication at Indus International University in India, and transitioned to the field of English as Second Language education. In 2011, she completed a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) and went on to teach in Canada, and Turkey at a number of private language schools and universities including Istanbul University.

In 2018, she moved back to Canada and enrolled to study art full-time at Centennial College. While studying in the Fine Arts Studio program, she participated as a project lead in a number of community based art projects such as Winter Stations 2020. She also served on the student council and the Program Advisory Committee. She was the Winner of the Drawing Category for CICan’s Student Art Contest and received a Dean’s Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Since graduation in 2021, she has participated in a number professional exhibitions and initiatives including the Storyvoice website with Centennial College, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, the Honest Shop at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, a solo exhibition at At Origin Coffee, group exhibitions at Propeller Art Gallery, and Gerrard Art Space.

Currently, with the Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, she is working as a research assistant for Garden Path Health and Wellness fellow Paul Hogan where she is providing assistance on curriculum development, teaching, literature creation, and logistical support for the Mystery Painting Workshop Series at Scadding Court Community Centre.

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