First Friday Art Walk – May 2025

Step into a world of color, texture, and creativity with Maria Martin’s latest art exhibit. A lifelong artist, Maria’s passion for collage was sparked in childhood while watching her father work in his home studio. What began as playful exploration has evolved into a dynamic career in visual arts, where she masterfully blends mixed media to create striking, non-representational works with hints of the familiar.

Maria’s process is filled with excitement and unpredictability. Using acrylic paints, a variety of gels, and textured mediums, she builds depth through layers of monotype prints, bright colors, and intricate surface treatments. Oil pastels, chalk, markers, and pencil add expressive detail, while the fusion of print papers and inks brings each piece to life. Every artwork unfolds in a unique and unexpected way, keeping both the artist and the viewer engaged.

A longtime fixture in the Lawrence art scene, Maria studied art in Philadelphia before continuing her education at the University of Kansas. Over the years, she has been involved in numerous art exhibitions, including solo and group shows, and has earned significant recognition, including the prestigious City of Lawrence Phoenix Award for Visual Arts. Most recently, she was honored with the 2023 Best of Show award at Images Art Gallery’s annual juried exhibition.

Maria’s work is on display in private collections and galleries throughout the region. She currently serves as the President of the Lawrence Art Guild and works from her studio at Art Emergency in the East Lawrence Warehouse Arts District. Visit mariasmartin.com to learn more about her work.

Artist Image Gallery