About Alika

Artist Bio

Alika Kumar is a self-taught artist whose work is a celebration of color, culture, and spiritual connection. A lifelong creative and passionate world traveler, Alika brings together her love for painting, music, and global experiences to create art that radiates warmth, unity, and soul.

Though art has always been an integral part of her life, Alika spent many years pursuing her creative passions while working full-time. Through every chapter of her life — in quiet evenings, long weekends, and travel-inspired moments — she nurtured her artistic voice. Now fully immersed in her art practice, she devotes herself to capturing the beauty of this shared planet and the emotions that unite us all.

Inspired by her identity as a world citizen, Alika believes deeply in the oneness of humanity. Her artwork blends rich palettes with elements of nature, urban life, spiritual symbols, and abstract reflections. Each piece invites the viewer into a space of contemplation, wonder, and connection — whether it's a vivid sidewalk scene, a soulful figure, or a quiet botanical meditation.

Alika’s work appeals to collectors who seek more than decoration — those who are drawn to stories, emotion, and meaning. Her hope is that each painting brings joy, peace, and presence to the spaces it inhabits.

My Art Philosophy

I create art to celebrate the beauty, depth, and diversity of life on this planet. As a world citizen, I am deeply inspired by the colors, cultures, landscapes, and expressions that make up our shared human experience. My work is rooted in a sense of oneness — a belief that art can dissolve borders, evoke wonder, and connect us beyond language.

Motivated by memory and feeling, I paint to preserve moments that stir the heart — a fleeting gesture, a vibrant street, the curve of a petal, or the hush of distant mountains. My compositions often explore the more hopeful and luminous sides of life, using color as a vehicle for healing, joy, and connection.

I work across a range of styles — from abstract to representational and realism — and often blend traditional techniques with experimental layers. My subjects span still life, florals, landscapes, and figures, drawing from a lifetime of observation, travel, and curiosity. Each piece is a reflection of inner emotion and outer exploration, crafted with the intention to uplift, inspire, and quietly speak to the soul.

Through my art, I hope to offer a sense of presence — a pause in the day — and an invitation to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be.

RESUME

Born, Roorkie, India. Currently resident of Glendale, Arizona since 1980.        

EDUCATION

• Thunderbird School of Global Management, Glendale, AZ. Master of International Management, 2000

• Arizona State University West, Phoenix: Master of Business Administration, 2000; Bachelor of Science, Marketing, 1996.

• Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, NH: Executive Education, April 2006

ART EDUCATION

Painting -Primarily “self-taught” artist through online courses with:

• Virtual Art Academy – Barry John Raybauld;

• Milan Art Institute – Mastery Program

• "The Painterly Portrait Course by Alain J. Picard, Picard Studio LLC

• Marla Bagetta’s Color College

• Dan Scott’s Painting Academy, Draw Paint Academy

• Classes with Julie Gilbert Pollard

• Crista Cloutier: The Working Artist Masterclass

• Art Biz Accelerator Course, with Art Biz Coach, Stanfield Art Associates

• Figurative Abstracts, Week-long course with Robert Burridge, Sedona Arts Center

• How to Sell Your Art Online Course, Cory Huff

• Daniel Edmondson Studio;

• Johannes Vloothius at F&W Arts;

• 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016: Richard Robinson;

•  Jerry Yarnell School of Fine Art;

SCULPTURE

• Sculpting the Figure, January 15 - 19, with Vala Ola, Scottsdale Artists' School, Arizona

• Studied sculpture under JD Parrish, Scottsdale Artists School

• Studied sculpture under Jerry Cox, Scottsdale Artists School

• Sculpting, with Jodi Creager

• Fiber Clay Workshop with Joanie Wolter

• Currently, Executive Director of the Arizona MBDA Business Center.                     

Solo Exhibitions

• Northern Arizona University's College of Arts & Letters, April 9 -August 27, 2012: Solo exhibit.

• Mesa Performing Arts Center, May 14, 2011: Solo art exhibit at the “Partners in Recovery, Mind Matters” Dance Program featuring Dr. Padma M. Aking..

• Discover India Festival 2005: Held a solo exhibition at the Discover India Festival.

Group Exhibitions

• 2025, January 11-February 2, 2025: Glendale Arts Council Juried Fine Arts Show, Glendale AZ. Submitted and Sold: Aspen Canopy Dreamscape; Dappled II.

• 2024, November 1-30: PHOENIX ARTISTS GUILD EXHIBIT AND SALE, WHAM Community Art Center - West Gallery. Submitted: 1. Aspen Canopy Dreamscape; Louisiana Sunset; Blossom in the Dreamer's Light (First Place, Acrylics)

• 2023, September 22 - October 29: Arizona State Fair (Sassy Llama; Sidewalk Promenade; Nilgiri Flycatcher; Immersed; Urban Blooms)

• 2022: The Arizona Capitol Museum, juried art exhibition titled In Celebration of Women, March 18, 2022-April 8, 2022

• 2022, WHAM West Gallery, Surprise Arizona. (Observers; Burst of Begonias; Urban Floral Treat)

• 2023, March 27-May 8, 2023: .Phoenix Artists Guild Fine Arts Exhibit and Sale at The Holland Center, Scottsdale, AZ. (1. Louisiana Sunset; 2.Daily Desert Dance; 3. Urban Blooms)

• 2022, March 24th until April 30, 2022: In Celebration of Women Art exhibit, Arizona Capitol Museum, Phoenix, AZ. "Mistress of the Ring," Acrylic on Canvas

• 2021, October 2-31, "Prolific Perspectives," WHAM West Gallery, Surprise Arizona 

• 2021, June 14 through August 16: “Summer Love” a juried virtual art show held by Arts HQ Gallery, West Valley Arts.

• 2021, Juried” Vacation Exhibit” at the Herberger Theater Center, February 5 – March 29, 2021, displayed virtually. Physical display from December 3, 2021 through January 3, 2022.

• 2019, August: Served as a juror for the In Celebration of Women art exhibit at the Herberger Theater Gallery.

• 2018, December: Participated in the Phoenix Artists Guild’s Judged Exhibit and Sale at the WHAM Community Art Center – West Gallery.

• 2018, November – January: Phoenix Artists Guild, Fine Art Exhibit, at Thunderbird Arts Center in Phoenix, November 30, 2017 to January 24, 2018.

• 2018, October -December: Phoenix Artists Guild Judged Exhibit and Sale at the Thunderbird Arts Center, October 13-December 13, 2018. “Delightful Delphiniums” won first place in the Acrylics category.

• 2018, September – October: West Valley Art Council's Surprise Invitational Exhibit, a juried exhibit at the West Valley Arts HQ, September 24 - October 26, 2018.

• 2018, May: Participated in Marriott Glendale Exhibit and Art Sale Opportunity -May 8, 2018

• 2018, March: “Interpretations III” by the Arizona Art Alliance at WHAM Gallery, Surprise, March 2-30, 2018, a juried visual arts competition, exhibit and sale.

• 2017, December: Approach of Life Juried Invitational WHAM West Gallery, December 1-30, 2017 at the Wham West Gallery, Surprise, Arizona. Selected piece was shown for an additional month.

• 2017, October-December: 4th Annual Surprise Invitational by the West Valley Arts Council (WVAC), a juried exhibit at the West Valley Arts HQ gallery, October 19 - December, 2017 

• 2017, October- May: Phoenix Airport Museum (PAM) - Arizona Artists Guild’s (AAG) 90-Year Anniversary Exhibition (curated) on display in Terminal 4, Level 3 from October 28, 2017 through May 13, 2018.

• 2017, October-December: West Valley Arts Council’s (WVAC), 4th Annual Surprise Invitational, juried exhibit at the West Valley Arts HQ gallery. Oct. 19 - Dec. 20, 2017. 

• 2013, February-March: Broadway Gallery, New York, March Show – Feb 25 To March 1, 2013: Featured in a full-page expose along with an artist's statement; Featured on Broadway Gallery’s website for a full year, receiving over one million page views a month; and, displayed three art pieces at the Broadway gallery, getting the same level of exposure as native New York artists.

• 2007, January: Shemer Art Gallery: Several works from the Journey Home series were selected for the exhibition titled “Around the World in 40 Days” in January 2007.

• 2005, March: Art Link’s Art Detour 2005: Participated in a group exhibition at the annual Art Detour in downtown Phoenix.

• Phoenix Artists Guild Judged Exhibit and Sale at the WHAM Community Arts Center, November 30 -December 28, 2018.

• 2006:, Summer: APS Art Gallery: Summer of 2007, part of an exhibit on India.

• Arizona State University -West Campus: “Temple Dance” on display currently.

HONORS

• 2021, June: West Valley Arts – Third Place in juried art competition.

• 2020, August: Selected as a featured artist by the Herberger Theater Center, in the “Vacation” exhibit that was online from February 5 - March 29, 2021, and will be displayed physically in the Fall of 2021. The selected work was “Marigolds in Lucknow.”

• 2019, January: Featured in VoyagePhoenix Magazine as one of the hidden gems from Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

• 2017, December: Obtained 'Juried Status' in the Arizona Art Alliance 

• 2008, June: Sheraton Downtown Phoenix 2008- Four paintings from the series “Urban Reflections” was purchased and is now on permanent display at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix on the second floor.

• 2007, October: Discover India Festival 2007- Created a series of art depicting themes from India in a new and abstract manner. “Journey Home” was selected to be featured on all publicity fliers and as the cover of the brochure for the Discover India Festival 2007, held at Heritage Square, Phoenix.

• 2006, October: Discover India Festival 2006- “Temple Dance” was selected to be featured on all publicity fliers and as the cover of the brochure for the Discover India Festival 2006 held at Heritage Square, Phoenix.

• 2005, October: Discover India Festival 2005- “Discover India” was selected to be featured on all publicity fliers, and as the cover of the brochure for the festival. Another piece “Diwali Diyas” was used as the back cover.

• 2006: City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office: A framed image of “Discover India” was presented to the City of Phoenix Mayor, Phil Gordon and was on display in his office in 2006.

Website/Online

• www.AlikaKumar.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/consultant-artist/

• https://www.instagram.com/alikas.art/

Professional Affiliations

• Arizona Artists Alliance

• Phoenix Artists Guild

• West Valley Arts Council

• Executive Board Member, Metro Phoenix Export Alliance 2017-2018

• Board Member of India Association of Phoenix (2005, 2006, 2007).

• Member of Women Business Builders at the Glendale Public Library (2006-2007).