Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Monica Tookes has always had a keen eye for business and an eternal love for art, bridging these two things together has made Monica Tookes what she is today. Upon moving to Atlanta, Monica attended the prestigious Spelman College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, and continuing education at the Atlanta College of Art where she studied fine arts.

Monica's work has been showcased all over the country. To add to her public recognition, Monica's painting “Jammin with Me”, was selected by the Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs for the 2003 Jazz Festival Poster. Most Recently, Monica's amazingly 6' tall painting, Believe, the Power Is In You ,was chosen by the American Red Cross to be installed at their new donor center in Atlanta, Georgia. It is also being used in a national campaign endorsement to encourage more people to donate blood. She also had an amazing solo show at the George E. Ohr Museum in Biloxi, MS that gave her raving reviews of her works, talent, and community service. Monica's work is widely collected all over the world, being installed at many well established boutiques, restaurants, law firms, and businesses.

Monica was chosen as one of Atlanta's Most Interesting Personalities featured in the 2005 Who's Who of Atlanta publication, highlighting her unique approach to art and business. One of her astonishing works, The Measure of a Man, was commissioned to honor Dr. Joseph Lowery at the exclusive unveiling event.

For many years its been simple to describe Monica Tookes as an artist, but now its even easier to label her as a successful business woman. In 2005, Monica's entrepreneurial dream came true when she opened the doors to Monica Tookes Gallery , located in the historic Castleberry Hill Arts District in downtown Atlanta, where her gallery showcases her paintings as well as those of other emerging and established artists. Monica believes that her gallery will allow herself and other artists to be further exposed to the world of commercial and private collectors. Another new exciting venture for Monica has been an endeavor into the world of retail; Monica Tookes Originals (Art Just for You!) includes visually stimulating apparel for men, women, and children, with clever expressions that force the world of art and clothing to collide. And, the packaging is both unique and further expressive of Tookes' innate ability to tie the world of art with business.

Aside from business and art, Monica continues to give back to the community by working on campaigns and strategies tying art with charities and foundations to raise money and whose primary focus is children & youth. Organizations that have benefited from Monica's kind heart and (creative promotional strategies) include The Shandon Anderson Foundation, American Heart Foundation, Lyrics for Life, Prevent Child Abuse Atlanta, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, The American Red Cross , and her own foundation , Sharing Their Gifts.

This unique and talented artist has emerged and the art world will never be the same. See the extraordinary works by Monica Tookes for a visually stunning experience you'll never forget!