Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Mary grew up in a house filled with art. Her father is a painter, and at a young age she worked by his side sketching and exploring various mediums. This early passion led her to the University of Minnesota, where she earned degrees in graphic design and fine art, building a strong foundation for her creative career. For twenty years, her creative focus shifted to raising four children and a career in graphic design and marketing. In 2017, supported by her husband, she made the courageous decision to dedicate herself to painting again full-time. The transition was initially uncertain, and she experimented broadly with different subjects and techniques, from detailed still lifes to loose interpretations of landscapes.
A transformative journey to Santa Fe became the turning point. Deeply moved by the region’s rich cultural heritage, Mary found herself captivated by the beauty and history embedded in Native American cultural objects. This experience provided an artistic epiphany, bringing her vision into sharp focus. Now, her work is dedicated to portraying this history through paint, reflecting her own journey of rediscovery and honoring the stories she feels compelled to tell. Through her art, she invites viewers to explore the rich beauty and cultural legacy that so profoundly reshaped her artistic identity.