Dunnie Onasanya is an artist, educator, mother and advocate for using art as a transformative tool for healing, empowerment, and community connection. Since committing to her artistry practice in 2018 Her vibrant abstract works, which incorporate gold leaf, glass, and jewels, reflect her faith, journey through motherhood, West African heritage, and her commitment to restorative energy. As an associate artist and faculty art instructor at VisArts Center Gallery in Rockville, MD; her soul mission to create art & experiences that heals, inspires, and transforms lives.
Dunnie’s journey as an educator began in 2023 at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, where she launched her Art Therapy Workshop series. It was here that she began using creativity as a tool for emotional growth, self-discovery, and communal healing, recognizing the power of art to bridge gaps and foster emotional well-being. This series laid the foundation for her ongoing work as a mentor and educator, where she now teaches artists & art lovers from all walks of life. Dunnie is committed to creating an inclusive spaces for participants to explore their creativity in an encouraging environment.
Dunnie is creating significant impact through her current residencies and public art programming. She is the creator of the the Art of Inner Peace - Paint & Sip Event Series at the Morrow Hotel, a dynamic program blending art, wellness, and healing to foster personal and communal growth taking place this summer. Additionally, is the Artist-in-Residence at Modern Contempo Gallery in North Bethesda, Dunnie’s work is on view in gallery and available for purchase in the store & online.
In 2025, she completed a solo exhibition titled “Choose Your Joy” at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD. Her work as an associate artist and faculty instructor at VisArts Center highlights her dedication to facilitating art experiences that deeply resonate with building community. During her residency at the Viceroy DC she curated art walks and exhibitions to uplift the voices of local women and Black contemporary artists.
From her residencies to her workshops and exhibitions, Dunnie Onasanya’s work continues to inspire and empower. Her soul mission is to create art that touches lives, fosters growth, and transforms communities. As an artist, educator, and advocate, Dunnie’s work serves as a beacon of healing and hope.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

My artwork is an exploration of modernism which delves into the connectedness of the historic and the abstract by creating a conversation between color, movement, texture and vibrance.

Often referencing African culture, faith & symbolism. My work explores the varying relationships between expressionism, tribal influences and women in power. Having engaged subjects such as unity and spirituality my work produces sensory activating & visually stimulating experiences.

While I utilize a variety of materials ranging from acrylic, oil, glass, gold leaf in addition to other metallic pigments both my process and methodology is consistent. As an intuitive painter there may not always be material similarities between the different projects I complete they will always be linked by my unique freedhand style of lines and curves.

The subject matter and client preference of each of my works determined the materials I will choose to use on the project. During both the research and production phase of my process new areas of interest always arise and often lead to the next body of work I venture into cultivating.

Operating independently as a full time studio artist at VisArts has allowed me the opportunity to specialize in creating custom artwork for both residential and commercial interiors on small, standard & large scale custom built canvases in addition to large murals and accent wall projects.