Hello, I'm Mari!

At 81 years old, Mari paints with the heart of someone who’s lived many lives—and still finds joy in every brushstroke. Raised on a farm near Lake of the Woods in Swift, Minnesota, her early years were shaped by nature, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. She transferred to Warroad High School in 9th grade, graduating in a class of just 50 students in 1961.

Mari’s journey took her across borders and back again: from college in Saskatchewan north of Moose Jaw, to working in Minneapolis for her brother’s dry cleaning shop on Central Avenue. She raised two sons while living the life of a devoted housewife, later building a farmstead on 160 acres in Belgrade, MN. In 1986, she moved to Saint Cloud, where she earned her master’s degree in teaching from Saint Cloud State University.

For over 20 years, Mari ran a foster care home in Saint Cloud, offering love and stability to children in need. She also worked as a substitute teacher, always finding ways to give back. It wasn’t until she retired at age 70 that she picked up a paintbrush—and discovered a passion that would blossom into a second career.

Inspired by the smiles her art brings to others, Mari paints vintage cars, animals, and landscapes that echo her rural upbringing. Her expressive style and heartfelt subjects have earned her blue ribbons at art exhibits, including the Minnesota Benton County Fair. What began as a hobby has grown into a thriving practice, with Mari now completing around 12 commissions a month.

Her work is a celebration of memory, joy, and the enduring beauty of everyday life.

 

🗣️ Q&A with Mari

Q: What inspired you to start painting at 70?
A: I never thought I’d be an artist. I just wanted something joyful to do in retirement. Once I saw how people smiled at my paintings, I couldn’t stop.

Q: Why vintage cars and animals?
A: They remind me of the farm I grew up on. The tractors, the fields, the animals—they’re part of who I am. Painting them brings me back.

Q: What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever painted?
A: Probably one of the old cars. I added a real earring to the canvas once—it gave it such personality. I love adding little touches like that.

Q: What does art mean to you now?
A: It’s connection. It’s memory. It’s joy. I paint to share stories, and to make people feel something good.

Q: Any advice for someone starting late in life?
A: It’s never too late. If you’ve got a spark, follow it. You never know where it’ll lead.