Holly Friesen is a Montreal-based painter whose work reflects a deep connection to the Canadian landscape. Originally from Saskatchewan, Holly’s creative journey began with studies in Visual Arts at John Abbott College in Montreal, followed by painting at York University in Toronto. Her passion for art took her across the country and beyond before she eventually settled in Mont-Tremblant, QC, where she spent over a decade painting, teaching, and nurturing the local art scene.

For 15 years, Holly ran ArtBeat Studio in Mont-Tremblant, creating a space where creativity and community could thrive. She also served as artistic director and curator of The Art Barn for four summers, and later led Ateliers du Village, an artist-run gallery in the heart of the village. From 2013–2016, she worked as the Montreal curator for ArtBomb, a daily online art auction that showcased contemporary Canadian artists.

Today, Holly paints full-time from her Montreal studio. Her work, rooted in the rhythms of the natural world, has found homes in both private and corporate collections across Canada and beyond. Through bold colour and expressive movement, her landscapes explore a deeper emotional terrain, drawing out the spirit of place and inviting viewers to experience nature from the inside out.