Bio

Mari Barros is a Brazilian artist with a deep love for color, born and raised in the vibrant cultural heart of Rio de Janeiro. The city's energy and diversity have had a lasting impact on her artistic vision. With a background in Marketing and a degree in Graphic Design from the Panamericana School of Art and Design in São Paulo, Mari blends creativity with strategy in everything she does.

In 2015, she founded a collaborative cultural center in Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, where she curated exhibitions, organized community events, and supported emerging artists through craft markets and workshops. Alongside this, she taught art at a private school and launched the social initiative Creativity for All, which empowered underprivileged girls with access to art education and creative tools.

Since relocating to the United States, Mari has continued her artistic journey by teaching at the Krasl Art Center and in her studio at The Box Factory for the Arts. In addition to her studio work, she is part of the marketing team at The Box Factory and is responsible for managing their social media, helping to connect the broader community with local arts and culture.

Mari actively participates in exhibitions and competitions both nationally and internationally, sharing her vibrant abstract paintings that are deeply rooted in her Brazilian heritage. She also contributes to a Social STEM Project, where she uses art to help young learners explore creativity, innovation, and expression.

Mari’s work reflects her belief in the transformative power of art. Through bold colors, dynamic compositions, and immersive mixed media, she explores themes of identity, migration, and emotional connection—creating bridges between cultures and generations.