Tonya Trest

A native Texan living in Dallas, Tonya launched her artistic journey with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Texas in 1996. Following a successful 25-year career in the corporate world, Tonya decided to leave the boardrooms behind and embrace her true calling full time.

Drawing inspiration from the vast tapestry of nature, Tonya incorporates a variety of mediums including oil, pastels, wax, clay and found objects, pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Her recent work explores the endless ways beeswax can be molded, manipulated, and formed to create relief and standalone sculptures.

Tonya is regularly included in juried exhibitions winning numerous awards in addition to several solo shows. Her work is in the homes of private collectors in Texas and across the United States. As a passionate conservationist, she led a panel discussion for EarthX 2023 addressing the plight of the honeybee and their importance to human survival along with their contribution to art throughout the ages. She also volunteers her time and talent to multiple charitable causes each year and sits on the board of the Encaustic Museum in Cerillos, NM.

University of North Texas
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 1996

Permanent Collection
Museum of Encaustic Art
Cerillos, New Mexico

July 2023

Fresh Ideas Group Exhibition
Grand Theater Gallery
Lewisville, TX 

"New Texas Talent"
30th Anniversary Group Exhibition
Craighead Green Gallery
Dallas, TX 

September 2022

"People's Choice Award"
Fall Group Exhibition
Shanley House Center for the Arts
Granbury, TX 

Fall Group Exhibition
Courtyard Gallery
Plano, TX 

April 2022

"First Place"
Flourish Group Exhibition
D'Arts Center
Norfolk, VA