Reta Merkur was born in 1920 and grew up in Toronto: her parents from Brooklyn and from Russia. She married Max Merkur, founder of Toronto's Meridian Properties. The two were well known in the art world for their outstanding collection of Canadian paintings, driven by Max's enthusiasm for collecting and Reta's love and knowledge of art.

Reta was an avid and accomplished painter in her own right, inspired by the abstract impressionism of the mid 20th century, especially Jackson Pollock. Her work embodies the energy, inspiration, and vibrancy of Pollock's drip paintings. She was incredibly prolific in her lifetime, amassing a body of work which showcases her love of art and her enthusiasm for painting.