Artist of the Month

Mary Winger Bowman

My whole life has revolved around art. After graduation from University of Memphis with a BFA in graphic design, I worked in several art design jobs, eventually becoming an art director for a small midtown agency. When I became a free-lance artist, not only did I continue to work in graphic design, but I began to paint scenic backdrops, props, and hand letter signs for conventions and parties. Painting scenic backdrops evolved into painting murals in commercial and residential settings, examples of which can be found on my website: www.cosmiccaravan.com.

In 2006, I returned to my fine arts roots, and for years was part of Gallery Fifty Six.. I was chosen as a featured artist for the cover design of an Opera Memphis publication and also was selected as a grand prize winner in a scarf design contest by the Orpheum Theatre. I participated in a solo show and several group shows, while at Gallery Fifty Six. One of my paintings was selected to be part of an exhibit (“Seasons”) in the Collierville Town Hall and another was selected for the “Memphis Scene” show at the Brooks Museum. I am a member of Artists’ Link, and have participated in various group shows, and because I have been a supporter of Playhouse on the Square, I have been fortunate to have several solo shows at the Circuit Theatre.

I also offer classes where I introduce adults and children to painting and glass mosaics (www.creativityclass.20m.com). Twice a year, for the past four years, I promote the Highpoint Art Fair, encouraging and enlisting artists and artisans to participate at no charge.

I work in acrylics, discovering that not only can I quickly work in layers, but also I can incorporate texture into my paintings easily. In my landscapes and abstracts, the fusing of the pigment used in transparent and opaque forms combine with texture creating unique depth, sometimes subtle and sometimes bold. Having worked in a stained glass studio, I have also created glass mosaics, glass gemeaux, kiln fired painting on glass and incorporate glass into my paintings.