About Us

¡Hola!

Welcome to our world at arto MKT, a realm where eclectic design meets a deep commitment to community and sustainability. We’re Monica Pena and John Bowes, and our story is one of love, creativity, and a shared passion for beautiful, meaningful spaces.
Our journey together began back in middle school, where we met and became sweethearts. We've known each other for more years now than not, and our bond has only grown stronger with time. Over the past decade, we've embarked on various endeavors together, each one bringing us closer to realizing our shared vision.
When we moved in together, we stumbled upon the magic of restoring vintage furniture. What started as a fun project quickly turned into something more. As we breathed new life into these timeless pieces, our friends and family took notice and began asking to buy them from us. This unexpected interest sparked an idea, and we knew we were onto something special. 
In 2013, we decided to turn our passion into a business and founded our first art and design gallery, arto|otra, in the heart of Mexico City.
In 2018, we made a bold move to Montreal, a city that quickly felt like home. Here, we immersed ourselves in the local furniture and home decor scene, and the inspiration we found led us to launch arto MKT.
Arto MKT is a world of its own, where the talent of contemporary artists paints the backdrop, vintage pieces bring authenticity, and new designs create a boost of innovation. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create spaces where style, quality, and sustainability intersect seamlessly. We believe our customers are seeking environments where each piece tells a meaningful story, contributing to the narrative of their own unique journey. It's a quest for authenticity, a desire to curate spaces that reflect their true selves, and create havens that are as genuine as they are inspiring.
We carefully curate a collection of new, vintage, and pre-loved furniture and art, ensuring each piece contributes to a more sustainable way of living. Whether you're searching for contemporary furniture, unique home decor, or one-of-a-kind art pieces, we aim to be the best furniture store, the best thrift store, and the best vintage store in Montreal. Arto MKT is your one-stop shop for creating beautiful, meaningful spaces that tell your story.
We invite you to explore our collections and join us on this exciting journey. Let's create beautiful, meaningful spaces together, one piece at a time.