Mary Klesse

Born and raised in Northeastern US and currently living in Coastal Texas; the opportunity to live in many parts of the country has given this internationally recognized artist insight into local cultural and geographic diversities of a wide variety of locations. Study at The Pratt Institute and the New York Studio School broadened her reach in communication through art and helped her to grow her passion for exploring socio-cultural issues. A painter and sculptor, with works in graphite, acrylic, clay, plaster and fiber, she uses a variety of techniques to create expressive communication through experiences and effects. With works in Museums in N.M and TX and gallery works in N.Y., L.A., London and Rome branching out to public installation has given voice to pieces that speak to people in the community and to visitors to the area, to bring awareness of the socio-cultural challenges facing each unique location and awareness of art as a communication tool. A grant from the Fine Line Group sponsored a 2021-22 public installation in Rockport/Fulton TX.

Awards:
2025: Millay Arts Wintertide Residency, N.Y.
2024: 3rd Place, CCAC, Corpus Christi, TX
2023: 1st Place Dimensions National, Corpus Christi, TX
2023: Art of the Day- CaFe call fo...

Studied at NYSS
Pratt Institute SSPFA
Texas A&M MS
Rutgers University BA
Howard College ADN

2024- Off The Walls- Arts Southeast- Savannah GA
2024- Beeville Museum of Arts- Texas Artists Exhibition- TX
2024- Global Warming is Real- Encaustic Arts Institute- NM
2024- 3rd place Botanicals Show- Art Center of Corpus Christi
2023- 1st place for works on canvas- Dimensions National- Art Center of Corpus Christi
2023- Global Warming- Museum of Encaustic Art
2023- Texas Artists- Beeville Museum of Art
2022-Malamegi Art Lab- Rome Italy
2022- Abstract Expressionism, Red Bluff Gallery, CA
2022- Tiddle Caylor Show- Port Aransas
2021- Brushes on the Beach- Galveston TX
2021- Botanicals- Art Center of Corpus Christi TX
2021- Mil Milagros- K-Space TX
2021- Dimensions- Art Center of Corpus Christi TX
2021- WSST Annual Members Exhibition- Port Aransas TX
2021-Anita Diebel Studio Gallery- Act II- Rockport TX
2021- Postcards to my Neighbor- K-Space TX
2021- Rockport the New Normal- Rockport Center for the Arts
2021- Las Laguna- Los Angeles CA
2021- "Go Big" group show Corpus Christi
2021 -G. Lee Gallery Swan Day- Galveston TX
2021- CAL Spring 2021- Conroe TX
2021- Coastal Bend Community CCAC
2020- Currents Exhibition RCA - Rockport TX
2020-"Hot and Sweaty". 500X Gallery Dallas TX
2020- NYAC- "Out of Covid"- New York
2020- "Our Town Arts an...