Mary Jane Pories is an American artist born in Rochester, NY. She lives in Grand Rapids MI and works primarily in acrylics and oils. Her improvisational approach to life and art results in works that are energetic, surprising, and emotional. A colorist by nature, her bold use of hue and playful approach to form, reveal influences from Abstract Expressionism and Fauvism. She holds a BA in Art and English and was the Art Director/Graphic Designer for a small magazine before returning to earn a Masters in Teaching. She taught high school, growing one of the art programs from from one semester to six. She’s served as an adjunct instructor at Kendall College of Art and Design and is a member of Grand Valley Artists. She’s studied painting at Bennington College, Savannah College of Art and Design and completed numerous workshops over the years, learning from such masters as Mary Bentz Gilkerson, Carolyn Fehsenfeld and Tony Couch. Her work is in private collections and has been exhibited locally in juried shows including GVA, the Franciscan Center, Celebration of the Arts, the All Art Works online gallery and the international competition, ArtPrize. Mary Jane is open to commissions.