Being a resident of the County of Strathcona since l952, Sonja has witnessed the extensive growth and changes within the County; however, can still find places where peace and quiet prevail. The wildlife in the County and in Alberta in general are a fascination and creep into almost all of her paintings. Painting was only a dream for so many years, and it was only in l998 on the encouragement of a friend that she set aside the time to put some oil on canvas. Now it's a retirement dream come true!

Sonja has exhibited at various spring and falls shows (juried and non-juried) of the Art Society of Strathcona County, plus shows at Salisbury Greenhouse and Greenland Nurseries. At the 2000 Alberta Winter Games in Sherwood Park, received a third prize in the landscape division. She also assisted with the mural of the Strathcona Transit Centre, 2005.

Sonja was commissioned to complete a picture for the City of Edmonton Police, Urban Manor Housing Society in 2005, and several pictures for the Knights of Columbus, Hockey division.

She is currently exhibiting at the Spotlight Gallery, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, and the Maverick Brewery Gallery and Spectrum Gallery in Edmonton.

Sonja is married to Ruben Marinoske, and they have one daughter, Crystal. They reside in the County of Strathcona, raising, breeding and showing miniature horses.