THE GALLERY

MARY WILLIS

 

Artist Statement

I am excited about using the talent God has given me to honor Him, express myself, and bring enjoyment to others.  I love painting the beautiful scenery our creator has given us to enjoy, as well as simple scenes, people and objects that are important to me.  I enjoy teaching art and encouraging others to develop their talents, but I also long to improve my own work and continue to take classes and workshops from artists I admire.

 

My artwork has always been important to me, but it is only one part of a wonderful life God has given me.  I also enjoy singing, acting, Bible study, photography, and spending time with family and friends.

 

I have never been bored in my life.  There is so much to see and do, so many interesting people to meet, and an endless variety of subjects to paint!

 

Biography

Mary Willis was born in Mississippi, grew up in Tennessee and is happily married to her high school sweetheart. After a few years in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, Mary, her husband Bob, and two young children moved to Marietta Georgia, near Atlanta, where they have lived since 1979.

 

Mary’s artistic development began as part of a loving Christian family that encouraged her love for all the arts.  She fondly remembers watching her grandfather and other family members drawing for fun.  She began art lessons at age six and by age thirteen her artwork was published in a National magazine.   She studied art four years in high school winning many awards at local and area art competitions.  She received an art scholarship to attend George Peabody College, now a part of Vanderbilt University.   She also studied art at Volunteer State College and continued to take workshops and classes at local and national levels as time permitted, while being a full time Mom. Mary attended Kennesaw State University on art and academic scholarships graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Art Education (1996).  Fascinated by art history, she has traveled extensively visiting major art museums throughout the world.

 

Mary feels blessed that God has given her many opportunities to teach art publicly in community settings, privately in her home, and in several Christian schools.  Mary has completed commissions for murals, portraits, and stage sets.  She has received many honors and awards including several Best of Show, First Place Drawing, and First Place Painting in juried art exhibits.

 

Mary is an active member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church where she is involved in a ministry that encourages Christian artists to use their talents and exhibit their work.

 

Praise God!