Norma Papazian Akkelian is of Armenian origin born in Cairo, Egypt. She studied and began her career in the field of decorative arts. She then furthered her education in fine arts at the Montreal Visual Art Centre. Norma is a member of TRAM and the Montreal area decorative painter’s guild. She teaches decorative arts and volunteers her time painting murals for community centres and hospitals.

Acrylic is the medium of her choice, because she finds it versatile, non toxic and environmentaly friendly. She also works with dry pastels and graphite. Colour is her force and nature is her inspiration, where shapes and colours exist in perfect harmony. She is influenced by the Dutch and impressionist artists. Although completely different in technique and style, both were successful in creating mood through colour and texture.

Her thoughts about art: "There are no rules when it comes to choosing art, If you love it, then it's beautiful" Her  favourite quote is by Pierre-Auguste Renoir "You don't talk about paintings, you look at them".