As a lifelong educator, starting with teaching neighborhood piano lessons to present-day teaching at Concordia University of Alberta, I have been enhancing the creative talents of others for numerous years. Music, movement, writing, directing, acting, playing, interacting, integrating, synthesizing, and exploring with others have allowed me to be who I am today.

My goals have not always been about the artistic product, but rather the process of initiating, attempting, and creating the product in whatever form it chooses to arise. I noticed that while educating with creative modalities participants often shared concerns, thus my foray into counselling and using the expressive arts as a way into feeling connections within and with others.

Mental health and trauma are constants in society. How we cope with these challenges by using the expressive arts involves exploration and synergy of art forms. These experiences have brought to my current delight in playing with paints, colors, shapes, and forms. I am always surprised by my work which I have kept to myself, until recently. I am finding that collaborations, mixing forms, and artistic camaraderie have allowed me the personal courage to share my work with others. Now, I get to experiment with my own expressive art styles!

Mary currently holds the position of Vice President for the Edmonton Art Club.