Mari Barros is a Brazilian artist with a deep love for color, 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 and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors..

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.​

Education & Training

• Art Appreciation Class, Lake Michigan College – 2022

• Graphic Design - Panamericana Escola de Arte e Design Sao Paulo - 2007

• Marketing - Estacio de Sa University - 2003

• Founder & Owner, Janela Criativa Cultural Center, Brazil – 2018

• Art Therapy Instructor for Children, Personal Studio, Brazil – Since May 2014

 Exhibitions & Projects 

2025

• Dueto Show: “When Color Meets Matter”, Alcove Gallery, Saint Joseph, MI – November

• Installation during ArtPrize, Biophilia Gallery, Grand Rapids, ArtPrize 2025– September

• Artista Latino Community Award, ArtPrize 2025– September

• Award: Artista Latino Community Award, ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, MI – September

• Nominated Board Member, The Box Factory for the Arts (2-year term) – August

• Marketing & Social Media Committee Member, The Box Factory for the Arts – August

• Summer Camp Instructor, Krasl Art Center – July

2024

• Annual Member Show, Krasl Art Center – November

• Started Teaching Youth Classes, Krasl Art Center – October

• Funky Town Group Show, 106 Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI – August

• ArtPrize 2024, Sweetwater Coffee & Tea, Grand Rapids, MI – September

• Future Star Show, Holly Art Gallery, London – March

2023

• Oasis of Color, Vander Plas Gallery, New York, NY – November

• Annual Member Show, Krasl Art Center – November

• All Art Works Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI – September

• ArtPrize 2023, Cocoon Art Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI – September

• All Art GR, DeVos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids, MI – September

• Solo Show: The Power of Color, The Box Factory for the Arts, Saint Joseph, MI – July

• Show at All Art Works Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI – June

• MAAC Show Michigan, The Box Factory for the Arts – May

• Opened Studio, The Box Factory for the Arts – April

• Community Student Art Exhibition (2D Juried), Krasl Art Center, Saint Joseph, MI – March

• Mural and Background Art, Runway Show “Powerhouse”, Waterfront Fashion & Frame, Saint Joseph, MI – October

Professional Activities

• Youth Art Instructor, Krasl Art Center (2024–Present)

• Summer Camp Instructor, Krasl Art Center (2025)

• Board Member, The Box Factory for the Arts (2025–2027)

• Marketing & Social Media Committee, The Box Factory for the Arts (2025–Present)

• Art Therapy Instructor for Children, Private Studio, Brazil (Since 2014)

• Founder, Janela Criativa Cultural Center, Brazil (2018–2021)

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