Bonnie Conly is captivated by the nostalgia that surrounds tumbleweeds and intrigued by their individual fragility and collective strength. It resonates with her that tumbleweeds are moving objects that become tangled and stuck. She perceives tumbleweeds as metaphors for complex divisive social issues surrounding concerns of inequality and isolation. The challenge is how to tackle these uncomfortable, prickly, messy issues that require examination of deeply rooted beliefs, values, viewpoints, and behaviours, to initiate substantial change towards inclusivity.

Bonnie was raised on a farm near Central Butte, Saskatchewan. She is a granddaughter of Ukrainian Settlers and a great granddaughter of Scottish and British immigrants. She has lived most of her life on Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 lands. As a multi-disciplinary artist, Bonnie uses a variety of approaches to contemplate themes of place, identity, and immigration. Geography, history, and myth telling are integral to her visual practice.

Bonnie has had solo and group exhibitions in several public galleries in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario, including two touring exhibitions with the Organizations of Saskatchewan Art Councils. There are two public installations of her artwork: a painted mural in Vegreville, Alberta and two streetlight banners in Pickering, Ontario.