Canton Artist Gets An A

Growing up, Canton artist Mona Podgurski always added an extra touch to her schoolwork. 

“I would illustrate my reports,” she said. “I would add a drawing because I wanted to get an A, and it usually worked out pretty well!”

A Canton resident since 1956, she is the treasurer of the , having built the organization’s website, and recently placed second in the association’s Spring Show and Sale. Her watercolor “Cone Flowers Watercolor” placed just behind Laura Zanghetti’s winning piece. 

 “I am absolutely thrilled to come second to Laura, she is so talented,” Podgurski said.

She started seriously drawing as an adult when her daughter was riding at the Lazy S Ranch in Canton.

“I would watch her lesson and draw the horses," the Canton artist said. "Soon, other people would come over and ask me to draw their horses. I have been drawing horses for years.”

Mona considers herself a draftsman.

“I draw primarily, do a lot of pastel and watercolor, but I enjoy using a tip and drawing.” She has taught drawing in adult evening classes in the area and enjoys the adult classes because, in her words, “you get a lot of response from adults.”

She graduated from the Blue Hills Institute in Canton with an associate’s degree in applied arts and became a commercial artist for Rust Craft greeting cards. She then enrolled at Bridgewater State College and received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1982.

Podgurski enjoys drawing nature.

“It’s all around you; sometimes it just calls to you,” said the artist, who has an affinity for animals. “I once drew a tarantula," she noted.  “Not a lot of personality there!”

Podgurski is bringing her gifts and guidance to an taking place every Monday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at 2 Jackson St. in Canton. It is a six week drawing class drawing class, beginning with pencil and progressing to other related media. Her teaching style is one-on-one; any level from beginner on up is welcome. Composition, value, and perspective will be included.

Walk-ins are $20 or the 6-weeks of classes for $90.

“I am very fortunate to have a class of adults that are very interested," she said. "They have shown up to learn and they really want to work at it.”

Now as a teacher, the artist who just had to illustrate her school work back when she was in school, is teaching others how to make an impression in whatever medium they choose. 

Mona Podgurski is still achieving high grades and recognition.