CURRICULUM VITAE

Education

2019 – “Master Class Workshop and Retreat” with Daniel Gerhartz, Provence, France
2019 – “Training the Eye to See,” Portrait workshop using live models, Daniel Gerhartz, New Harmony, IN
2009 – Écorché (Human Anatomy) Sculpture Course, 10 Weeks with James Shoop, St. Croix Falls, WI
2009 - Master Class Immersive Workshop with Jove Wang, Russia
2008 – Large Group Figure Composition, Juried 10-day Master Class, Jove Wang, Pasadena, CA
2008 – Advanced Color Theory Workshop, Kauai, HI with Camille Przewodek (lineage of Henry Hensche/ Charles Webster Hawthorn, Cape Cod School)
Summer 2008 – Sculpture Anatomy of the Head with James Shoop, St. Croix Falls, WI
2008 - Master Class Immersive Workshop with Jove Wang, China
2006 – Portrait Workshop (scholarship) with master artist, Jove Wang, Scottsdale Artists School, Scottsdale, AZ
2003, 2005 – Plein Air Workshops with master painter and author, Kevin MacPherson, Maui, HI, and Provence, France
1995-2001 – Studied plein-air and Alla Prima painting with Zhang Wen Xin, Jim Wilcox, and Robert Duncan in Jackson, WY; Joe Paquet, St. Paul, MN, and Stapleton Kearns, Rockport, MA
1977 – Studied composition and copperplate etching with C. Daniel Graves (Founder of the Florence Academy of Art, Florence, Italy)
1974-1977 – Full-time student apprentice with Richard Lack, Atelier Lack, Minneapolis, MN
1975 – BA Degrees; Art Major, Humanities Major, French Minor; College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN
1974 – Mankato State College, Mankato, MN - courses in abstract art and composition
1972-1975 – Studied with Hungarian artist Bela Petheo, St. John's University, Collegeville, MN

Mary Pettis plein air painting Invitation to the Dance along the St. Croix River

Lectures, Presentations, and Workshops

October 2025 – Redwoods, Coastline, Canvas, and Cuisine - A Private Luxury Plein Air Retreat, The Inn at Newport Ranch, CA
September 2025 – Italy En Plein Air! 7-day workshop in Lake Garda and Verona, Italy
July 2025 – Outdoor Painters of Minnesota (OPM) demo with Mary Pettis, Taylors Falls, MN
May 2025 – Love of the Land! 4-day workshop, Dillman's Art Retreat, Lac Du Flambeau, WI
November 2024 – RealismLive 2024 Faculty Member, Online
September 2024 - Northwoods Landscape Master Class, 5-day workshop, Madeline Island School of the Arts, La Pointe, WI
June 2024 - Oil Painters of America's "Lunch & Learn" online webinar "Expressive Realism and the First 12 Minutes!", Zoom
June 2024 - The Expression of the Idea in Landscape, 3-day workshop, The Atelier, Minneapolis, MN
May 2024 – Lecture/Demo at Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona, MN
October 2023 - Capturing the Northwoods, 4-day workshop, Dillman's Art Retreat, Lac Du Flambeau, WI
September 2022 - The Expression of the Idea in Landscape, 3-day workshop, The Atelier, Minneapolis, MN
June 2019 - Landscape Master Class, 3-day workshop, The Atelier, Minneapolis, MN
September 2018 - Panelist, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota’s Plein Air Grand Marais event, Grand Marais, MN
September 2018 - The Artistic Anatomy of Water, Trees, Rocks, and Sky, 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
June 2018 - Landscape Master Class, 3-day workshop, The Atelier, Minneapolis, MN
May 2018 - Landscape Master Class, 3-day workshop, Schroeder Studios, Oliver Kelly Farm, MN
February 2018 – Panelist, “The Role of Plein Air Painting in Contemporary Realism”, Maui Plein Air Invitational, Maui, HI
November 2017 - “Painting the Music: Exploring Shared Language and Connections in the Arts”, Art and Science Department, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI
September 2017 - Plein Air Painting 7-day workshop in Cinque Terre, Italy
June 2017 - Plein Air Figure and Landscape 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
May 2017 - The Artistic Anatomy of Water, Trees, and Sky 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
April 2017 - "Great Starts! Painting from the Inside Out" Main Stage Demonstration, Streamline Publishing's Plein Air Convention and Expo (PACE), San Deigo, CA
April 2017 - Outdoor Painters of Minnesota Plein Air Landscape workshop, Minneapolis, MN
October 2016 - The Artistic Anatomy of Rocks, Trees, Water and Sky 3-day workshop, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, San Angelo, TX
October 2016 - Guest lecturer, EnPleinAir Texas, San Angelo, TX
September 2016 - The Artistic Anatomy of Rocks, Trees, Water and Sky 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
June 2016 - Plein Air Figure and Landscape 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
May 2016 - The Artistic Anatomy of Water, Trees and Sky 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
March 2016 - Outdoor Painters of Minnesota Plein Air Landscape workshop, Minneapolis, MN
October 2015 - Guest lecturer, EnPleinAirTexas, San Angelo, Texas
September 2015 - Plein Air Painting 7-day workshop in Cinque Terre, Italy
June 2015 - Plein Air Figure and Landscape 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
April 2015 - Beginner/Intermediate Plein Air 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
March 2015 - Oil Painters of Minnesota Plein Air Figure workshop, Minneapolis, MN
October 2014 - Fall Master Class, Minneapolis, MN
September 2014 - Plein Air Landscape 4-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
September 2014 - Guest lecturer, Cincinnati Art Club, Cincinnati, OH
September 2014 - Plein Air 2-day workshop, The Cincinnati Art Club, Cincinnati, OH
June 2014 - Plein Air Figure and Landscape 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
April 2014 - Guest lecturer, Cincinnati Art Club, Cincinnati, OH
April 2014 - Beginner/Intermediate Plein Air 3-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
March 2014 - Guest lecturer, Northstar Watermedia Society, Minneapolis, MN
March 2014 - Spring Master Class, Minneapolis, MN
December 2007 -2014 – Director and Mentor of a Monthly Advanced Concepts Artists Group, Home Studio, Taylors Falls, MN
July 2013 – Plein Air Figure and Landscape 4-day workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
June 2013 – Creative Breakthrough: Plein Air Workshop, The Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, MN
May 2013 – Creative Breakthrough: Bring the Art Spirit Into Your Work, Grand Marais Art Colony, Grand Marais, MN
May 2013 – The Joy of Plein Air Painting Workshop, The Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, MN
February 2013 – The Islanders/Maui Cultural Council 3-day Plein Air Workshop, Maui, HI
September 2011 – Plein Air in Tuscany with Mary Pettis, Tuscany, Italy
August 2011–Creative Breakthrough 3-day workshop, Grand Marais Art Colony, Grand Marais, MN
July 2011 – Plein Air Landscape 5-day workshop, Taylor’s Falls, MN
July 2010 – Plein Air Landscape 5-day workshop, Taylor’s Falls, MN
November 2009 – Plein Air Painters of Hawaii 5-day Plein Air Workshop, Maui, HI
July 2009 – Plein Air Landscape 5-day workshop, Taylor’s Falls, MN
February 2009 – Plein Air Painters of Hawaii 5-day Workshop, Maui, HI
October 2008 – Venice Workshop, Venice, Italy
May 2008 – France Workshop, Dordogne Region, Southwest France
August 2007 – 3-day workshop and Evening Public Lecture in Devil's Lake, ND in conjunction with the celebrated North Dakota Chautauqua
May 2007 – Tuscany Workshop, Tuscany, Italy
2006-2008 – Occasional Regional Lectures in Minnesota on Art and the Creative Spirit
Summers, 2001-2008 – St. Croix Scenic Riverway Minnesota Plein Air Annual 5-day Workshop, Taylors Falls, MN
May 2006 – Tuscany Workshop, Vagliagli, Italy
1990-2001 – Taught workshops, mentored student artists and gave presentations at schools and area youth agencies in Polk and Chisago Counties, Wisconsin and Minnesota
1986-1988 – Founder, director, instructor - Atelier Pettis Wirkkula, Taylors Falls, MN

Mary Pettis plein air painting along the St. Croix River, MN

Major Collections

Permanent Collection - Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA), Minneapolis, MN
Permanent Collection - Emigrant Institute, Vaxjo, Sweden
U.S. Senate Offices - Washington D.C.
Executive Residence Library - State of Wisconsin - Madison, WI
Cargill Corporation Collection, MN
Evergreen Hospital, Kirkland, WA, Entrance Lobby and Chapel
Carl Pohlad Collection, MN
Osceola Medical Center, Major Collection of 17 originals - Osceola, WI
Private Quarters of the Royal Residence - Stockholm, Sweden
Horst Rechalbacher - founder of Aveda, Osceola, WI

Mary Pettis plein air painting Living Waters - Iao Valley in Maui

Major Exhibitions & Awards

May-August 2026 – Oil Painters of America's 2026 National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Steamboat Art Museum in Steamboat Springs, CO.
December 2025 – June 2026 - American Society of Marine Artists The 2nd Annual ASMA Awards online exhibition, Merit Award
November 2025 - American Impressionist Society 6th Annual All Member Online Exhibition
August/September 2025 – Modern Impressionist Magazine’s 'Modern Impressionist Salon', Top 20 Paintings, Honorable Mention
September-October 2025 – “Expressions by Mary Pettis” solo exhibition, Stillwater Public Library’s Gallery, Stillwater, MN
September 2025 – Il Chiostro's 30 Years Worldwide Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
August 2025 - American Impressionist Society's 26th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Cassens Fine Art in Hamilton, MT
July 2025 – Plein Air Magazine’s July 2025 Plein Air Salon, Top Finalist
June 2025 - Oil Painters of America's National 34th National Juried Exhibition, Herrig Center for the Art, Bradenton, FL
May 2025 - New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art's International Juried Painting Competition, New Salem, MA, Finalist
February 2025 - American Impressionist Society’s 9th Annual Small Works Showcase, Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, CA
November 2024 - American Impressionist Society 5th Annual All Member Online Exhibition
October 2024 - American Society of Marine Artists 1st Annual ASMA Awards Online Exhibition, Merit Award
October 2024 - BoldBrush Painting Competition, Finalist
June 2024 - The 2024 Almenara Art Prize International Online Competition, Finalist
September 2024 - American Impressionist Society’s 25th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Rockport Art Association and Museum, Rockport, MA
March 2024 - BoldBrush Painting Competition, Finalist
September 2023 to May 2024 - American Society of Marine Artists 19th National Exhibition, hosted by 2 Fine Art Museums, including the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN
April 2024 - Oil Painters of America’s National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Mark Arts, Wichita, KS
October 2023 - The 2023 Almenara Art Prize International Exhibition, Cordoba, Spain
October 2023 - The 2023 Almenara Art Prize International Online Competition, Finalist
August 2023 - American Impressionist Society’s 24th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Somerville Manning Gallery, Greenville, DE
April 2023 - Oil Painters of America’s National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Reinert Fine Art Gallery, Charleston, SC
April 2023 - American Impressionist Society’s 7th Annual Small Works Showcase, District Gallery, Knoxville, TN
February 2023 - 13th Annual Plein Air Salon, Finalist, Honorable Mention: Plein Air Oil category
February 2022 - Outdoor Painters of Minnesota group exhibition, “Structural Art”, 801 Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
November 2021 - January 2022 - "Watershed" - A Solo Exhibition of 80+ Paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI
November 2021 - BoldBrush Painting Competition, Third Place
October 2021 - American Society of Marine Art's North Juried Regional Exhibition, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, MI
September 2021 - American Impressionist Society’s 22nd Annual National Juried Exhibition, Gallery 1516, Omaha, NE
June 2021 - 1st International Online Exhibition of Contemporary Marine Art, led by the American Society of Marine Artists
June 2021 - Oil Painters of America's 2021 Salon Show Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, GA
April 2021 - American Impressionist Society’s "5th Annual Small Works Showcase", Reinert Fine Art, Charleston, SC
October 2020 - American Impressionist Society's 21st Annual National Juried Exhibition, Illume Gallery of Fine Art, St. George, UT
October 2020 - Oil Painters of America’s 29th National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils, RS Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg, TX
September 2020 - American Impressionist Society’s Online Exhibition
June 2020 - "Outdoor Painters of Minnesota: Love of Minnesota", Minnesota Landmark Center, St. Paul, MN
April 2020 - Il Chiostro's "25th Anniversary Virtual Art Exhibit'
March 2020 to February 2022 - American Society of Marine Artists 18th National Exhibition, hosted by 5 Fine Art Museums, including the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN
March 2020 - American Impressionist Society’s 4th Annual Small Works Showcase, RS Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg, TX
January-June 2020 Outdoor Painters of Minnesota's "Minnesota Landscapes" Member Exhibition at the MN State Capitol, St. Paul, MN
November/December 2019 - Solo Exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN
June 2019 - Art Renewal Center's 14th Annual International ARC Salon Competition, Finalist: Landscape Category, Plein Air Category, Animal Category
June 2019 - American Impressionist Society’s 3rd Annual Small Works Showcase, Crooked Tree Art Center, Petoskey, MI
March 2019 - Oil Painters of America’s “Virtuosos of the OPA” exhibition, Cutter & Cutter Fine Art, St. Augustine, FL
February 2019 - Art Renewal Center’s ARC Salon Traveling Exhibition, European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM), Barcelona, Spain
November/December 2018 - Art Renewal Center’s ARC Salon Traveling Exhibition, Sotheby’s, Los Angeles, CA
November 2018 - Solo Exhibition, “Sharing the Harvest”, 30+ works inspired by of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as well as Kevin Puts’ “Inspiring Beethoven”, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN
November 2018 - Principle Gallery’s ASMA Invitational Show, Charleston, SC
September 2018 - American Impressionist Society’s 19th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Fish Creek, WI, Honorable Mention
September/October 2018 - Art Renewal Center’s ARC Salon Traveling Exhibition, Salmagundi Gallery, New York, NY
March 2018 - Solo Exhibition, “Color Harmonies”, 30+ works inspired by Lyadov’s “The Enchanted Lake”, Respighi’s “The Fountains of Rome”, and Debussy’s “La Mer” performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN
February 2018 - 13th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI, Honor Hawaii - Honor Maui Award
January 2018 - 13th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition, Finalist, Honorable Mention - Landscape Category, Honorable Mention - Plein Air Category
January 2018 - Salmagundi Club’s “Landscapes: Day and Night” Exhibition, New York, NY, Royal Talens Best in Show Award
September 2016 to January 2018 - American Society of Marine Artists 17th National Exhibition, Hosted by 6 Museums, Finalist
November 2017 - Solo Exhibition, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN
October 2017 - EnPleinAir Texas Fourth Annual National Juried Plein Air Exhibition, San Angelo, TX, First Place, Mini-Pearls Award
September 2017 - Art Renewal Center’s ARC Salon Traveling Exhibition, European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM), Barcelona, Spain
September 2017 - Lyme Art Association, “Marine Art Invitational”, Old Lyme, CT
August 2017 - The Artist's Magazine 34th Annual Art Competition, Landscape category, Finalist
June 2017 - Salmagundi Club’s “Landscapes” Exhibition, New York, NY
June 2017 - Art Muse, Master Class, Finalist
June 2017 - Solo Exhibition, "Beyond the Surface", 25+ works inspired by Debussy's Images, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN
June 2017 - Il Chiostro's 12th Annual Art Exhibit, “The HeArt of Italy, New York, NY
May 2017 – Art Renewal Center’s ARC Salon Traveling Exhibition, Salmagundi Gallery, New York, NY
May 2017 - Oil Painters of America’s National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Cincinnati, OH
April 2017 - BoldBrush Painting Competition, Finalist
February 2017 – 12th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI
January 2017 – BoldBrush Painting Competition, Finalist
January 2017 – Art Muse, Master Class, Finalist
January 2017 - The Sedona Art Prize Competition, Finalist
January 2017 - BoldBrush Painting Competition, Finalist
December 2016 - BoldBrush Painting Competition Finalist
December 2016 - Oil Painters of America's Fall Signature & Associate Online Showcase, Honorable Mention
November 2016 - 12th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition, Third Place winner, Plein Air Magazine Award, Honorable Mention, Finalist
November 2016 - The Artist's Magazine 33rd Annual Art Competition, Animal/Wildlife category, Finalist
November 2016 - The Mountain Oyster Club's 47th Annual Auction and Exhibition, Tucson, AZ
October 2016 - The Sedona Art Prize, Finalist
October 2016 - EnPleinAir Texas 3rd National Juried Plein Air Exhibition, San Angelo, TX, Texas Ranchland Award
September 2016 – The Sedona Art Prize, Finalist
September 2016 - American Impressionist Society's 17th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Seattle, WA
September 2016 -"Making Waves: An Exploration of the Maritime World of Art" Exhibition, Williamsburg Art Gallery, Williamsburg, VA
July 2016 - Duluth Art Institute's "Paint Du Nord" Plein Air Event, Duluth, MN, Best Sense of Place Award
July to August 2016 - "Truth in Nature" Plein Air Painting Exhibition, Ford Family Gallery: White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake, MN
June to September 2016 - Outdoor Painters of Minnesota Exhibition of Plein Air Painting in Minnesota, MSP International Airport
May 2016 - Oil Painters of America's National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Dallas, TX
April 2016 - American Society of Marine Artists North Regional Exhibition, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona, MN
March 2016 – Minnetonka Center for the Arts “Menagerie: Animals in Art” exhibition
February 2016 – 11th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI, Pioneer Inn Award
December 2015 - The Artist's Magazine 32nd Annual Art Competition, Animal/Wildlife category, Finalist
November 2015 - The Mountain Oyster Club's 46th Annual Auction and Exhibition, Tucson, AZ
October 2015 - EnPleinAir Texas 2nd National Juried Plein Air Exhibition, San Angelo, TX, Third Place winner
October 2015 - American Impressionist Society's 16th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Scottsdale, AZ
September 2015 - BoldBrush Painting Competition Finalist
August - September 2015 - Solo Exhibition titled "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN
July 2015 - Duluth Art Institute's "Paint Du Nord" Plein Air Event, Duluth, MN
May 2015 - Oil Painters of America's National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, St. Augustine, FL
2014/2015 - 11th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition, Finalist
April 2015 - Il Chiostro's 10th Annual Art Exhibit, Immagini: Images of Italy, Lambertville, NJ
March 2015 - BoldBrush Painting Competition, Finalist
March 2015 - Il Chiostro's 10th Annual Art Exhibit, Immagini: Images of Italy, New York, NY
February 2015 – 10th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI, Montage Kapalua Bay Award, King of Frame Award
February 2015 – American Women Artist’s Online Juried Show
December 2014 – Raymar Fine Art Competition, Finalist
2013/2014 - 10th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition, Finalist
October 2014 - American Impressionist Society's 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition
May 2014 – Minnetonka Center for the Arts Members' Juried Show, Wayzata, MN, Best in Show - First Place
March 2014 – Minnetonka Center for the Arts Juried Figure Show, Wayzata, MN
February 2014 – 9th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI
June 2013 – Easels in Frederick Plein Air Invitational, Frederick, MA, People’s Choice Award
February 2013 – 8th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI
2012 – American Impressionist Society National Juried Exhibition, Eckert-Ross Fine Art Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
July 2012 – Door County Plein Air Invitational, Peninsula School of Art, Fish Creek, WI
February 2012 – 7th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI
March-April 2012 – Il Chiostro Juried Exhibition, The Art Gallery, 25 Central Park West, New York, NY
February 2011 – 6th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI, Irvine Museum Award of Excellence
2010 – Oil Painters of America Regional Exhibition, Wilmington, Walls Fine Art Gallery, NC
February 2010 – 5th Maui Plein Air Invitational, Lahaina, HI
2010 – Oil Painters of America National Exhibition, Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
October 1-10, 2009 "Palais des Nations" Exhibition, United Nations Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland (10 artists)
February 2009 – 4th Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, Maui, HI
November 2008 – 17th Annual Invitational Small Works Show, Howard/Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA
September 2008 – "Sharing the Colors of Tuscany", Conversation Pieces Gallery, St. Croix Falls, WI
February 2008 – 3rd Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, Maui, HI
January 2008 – Solo Exhibition, "Landscapes - Looking Deeper", 36 paintings, Art Center of St. Peter, MN
April 2007 – Scottsdale Artists' School Beaux Arts Auction, Scottsdale, AZ
February 2007 – 2nd Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, Maui, HI, Irvine Museum Award of Excellence
March 2007 – "Brushes with Italy" Exhibition, Broome Street Gallery, New York, NY
September 2006 – “Artists for the New Century” invitational exhibition, Bennington, VT
June 2006 – The Society of Master Impressionists Inaugural National Juried Exhibition, Amarillo, TX
May 2006 – “Love of the Land”, Salon Exhibition, Howard Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA
February 2006 – Maui Plein Air Invitational, Maui, HI, Irvine Museum Award of Excellence
November 2005 – 15th Annual Invitational Miniature Show, Kirkland, WA
2005 – Solo Exhibition "Coming to Light", 52 paintings, Up North Fine Art, Lindstrom, MN
June 2005 – “Love of the Land”, Salon Exhibition, Howard Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA
2004 – Best and Brightest Art Show, Scottsdale, AZ, Plein Air Painters of America Marlin Linville Memorial Award
2004 – 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Plein Air painters, Estes Park, CO
2004 – Two-person Chicago Exhibition, 30 paintings, Hilligos Galleries, Chicago, IL
2004 – Desert Plein Air Invitational, La Quinta, CA
2004 – La Petite XI Exhibition, Alder Gallery, Coburg, OR
2004 – California Art Club, Women's City Club, Fall Exhibition, Pasadena, CA, Artists' Choice Award
2004 – Oil Painters of America 13th National Exhibition, Kirkland, WA
2004 – Two-person Chicago Exhibition, 30 paintings, The Studios at Long Grove, Long Grove, IL
April 2004 - Plein Air Invitational, Wilmington, NC, Best of Show
2003 – Solo Exhibition, "Homecoming", 31 paintings, Up North Fine Art, Lindstrom, MN
December 2003 – Oil Painters of America Midwest Regional Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Chicago, IL, Award of Excellence
2003 – American Artists Professional League's 75th Grand National Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club, New York, NY, Gardin Sawyer Memorial Award
2003 – National Academy of Professional Plein Air Painters NY Paintout, New York, NY, Best of Show
2003 – National Academy of Professional Plein Air Painters NY Paintout, New York, NY, Artists' Choice Award
November 2003 – Salmagundi Club - American Artists Professional League 75th Grand National Exhibition, New York, NY
November 2001 – Salmagundi Club - American Artists Professional League 73rd Grand National Exhibition, New York, NY
October 2001 – National Arts Club - Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club 105th Annual Exhibition, New York, NY
September 2001 – Arts for the Parks Top 100 - Jackson, WY
Summer 1995 (2 person) – New Masters Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
1991-1993 – ongoing 3 artist gallery - Pettis and Wirkkula Arts, Osceola, WI
1984 - 1985 (3 person) – Elayne Galleries, three events, St. Louis Park, MN
1977 - 1979 – Atelier Lack, Minneapolis, MN

Major Commissions

2024 - Commissioned by Shannon Medical Center, San Angelo, TX
2023 – Commissioned by Mark Davis to recreate the 1874 Minnesota Atlas Lithograph Frontispiece into a large original oil painting in color, St. Peter, MN
2022 - Commissioned by Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, Taylors Falls, MN
2017 - Public Art Commission, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount, MN
2015 - Public Art Commission, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount, MN
2000 – Commissioned to paint the original for the Wisconsin State Park System's Centennial Commemoration Print
1996 – Commissioned by the Swedish Jubilee Committee to do the official print for the sesquicentennial of the mass emigration from Sweden to the United States - Presented personally to the King and Queen of Sweden
1980-2000 – Commissioned by various publishers (including Northern Promotions in Aitkin, MN) to produce paintings for reproduction, including 24 signed, limited edition prints, 10 open edition, 6 porcelain plates, and 30 original copperplate etchings

Mary Pettis at DCTC in front of commissioned paintings

Books, Publications & Film

October 2025 – Chapter feature in the book An Eye for Joy – Noticing the Good World Everywhereby Peg Guilfoyle, Sea Crow Press, Cape Cod, MA
October 2024 - Feature article, Realism Today online magazine, "The Symphony of Landscape, Through Wonder and Curiosity"
January 2022 - Cover and feature article, The American Society of marine Artists' Winter 2022 issue of News & Journal, "Mary Pettis - A Surge of Connectedness"
November 2021 – “Watershed” Online Exhibition Catalog, by Mary Pettis and Jen Nash Kochevar
November 2021 – Featured in “Great Art Worldwide” section of Fine Art Connoisseur, article entitled “A River Runs Through Her”
November 2021 – Osceola Sun, “Mary Pettis exhibition to benefit riverway”
January 2021 - "Eric Rhoads Live - Day 289 with Mary Pettis", Streamline Art Video
Summer 2020 – Feature article, The American Society of Marine Artists' Summer 2020 issue of News & Journal, “Inland Waters, Awareness, Reverie & Absolution” by Mary Pettis
March 2020 – Oil Painters of America's Blog "Do I Have What it Takes – 3 Critical Traits" blog entry by Mary Pettis
Cover and feature article in The Minneapolis Club's monthly publication, "Connections", highlighting Mary's solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad” (November 2019)
May 2019 – Feature article, County News Review, “‘What is beauty?’ World-renowned artist resides in Chisago County”
2019 - Featured in the “14th International ARC Salon Competition Catalog”, Art Renewal Center
September 2018 – Feature article, St. Peter Herald.com, “St. Peter Public Schools to induct four new Hall of Fame members”
January/February 2018 – Feature article, Fine Art Connoisseur's “Three to Watch”
November 2017 - Fine Art Connoisseur's e-newsletter Fine Art Today article "Pettis in Minneapolis" highlights Mary's solo exhibition at The Minneapolis Club Nov. 1-30, 2017
October 2017 - Runnels County Register (Texas) Online article "Painting Ballinger One Stroke at a Time" features Mary Pettis during the EnPleinAirTEXAS Paint Out in Ballinger, TX
August 17, 2017 - Fine Art Connoisseur "A Dream Come True" article announces Mary Pettis receives ARC Living Master™ title
August 11, 2017 - Art Renewal Center announces Mary Pettis as their newest ARC Living Master™
June 2017 - “Beyond the Surface, Exhibition Catalog”, ©2017 Mary Pettis
June 2017 - Feature article, Minnesota Orchestra’s Showcase Magazine “Music, Painting, and Debussy: Beyond the Surface”
June 11, 2017 - Oil Painters of America's Blog "The OTHER Artistic Perspective" blog entry by Mary Pettis
June 6, 2017 - Featured Article “Music, Painting & Debussy: Beyond the Surface”, MinnesotaOrchestra.org, Minnesota Orchestral Association
June 4, 2017 - Featured Article “St. Peter Native to Exhibit at Minnesota Orchestra Hall”, SouthernMinn.com, LeCenter Leader, Adams Publishing Group
June 2017 - Featured Article “Seeing Music, Feeling Beauty”, Fine Art Today, Streamline Publishing
June 2017 - Spotlight Article, ‘St. Peter Native to Exhibit at Minnesota Orchestra Hall”, St. Peter Herald’s Le Center Leader
May 2017 - Fine Art Connoisseur's "Off the Wall" Upcoming Exhibitions Profile, Streamline Publishing
May/June 2017 - Minnesota Orchestra’s Showcase Magazine “Music and more: the OH+ experience”
April 2017 - “Master Class Handbook – A Guide for Creating and Understanding Great Paintings”, ©2017 Mary Pettis
February 2017 - Fine Art Today's Portrait of the Week section, "Pure Joy and Character" article, Fine Art Connoissuer
February/March 2017 - Plein Air Magazine Artist Profile "The Next Level is Having Something to Say", Streamline Publishing
February 2017 - Informed Collector's featured artist, FASO's Fine Art Views
January 2017 - Plein Air Today podcast, "Painting What Moves Your Soul" with Mary Pettis and Eric Rhoads, Streamline Publishing
2017 - Featured in the “13th International ARC Salon Competition Catalog”, Art Renewal Center
September 2016 - Oil Painters of America's Blog "Contemplating on Gradation" blog entry by Mary Pettis
September 2016 - Featured in the “10th International ARC Salon Competition Catalog”, Art Renewal Center
September 2016 – Featured in “Contemporary American Marine Art: The 17th National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists” online exhibition catalog, American Society of Marine Artists
August 2016 - Featured artwork, Outdoor Painter e-newletter published by Plein Air Magazine
June 2016 - Common Ground Season 8 Preview, Public Television interview
June 2016 - “The Veil of the Soul - Beneath the Surface” article, Artists on Art, Streamline Publishing
May 2016 - Oil Painters of America's Blog "Are We There Yet?" blog entry by Mary Pettis
March/April 2016 - Fine Arts Connoisseur "Today's Masters" section, "A Window on Life" article by Max Gillies
March 2016 - Featured artist in PleinAir Collector e-newsletter published by Plein Air Magazine
2016 - Featured in the “12th International ARC Salon Competition Catalog”, Art Renewal Center
December 2015 - Featured artist in OutdoorPainter e-newsletter published by Plein Air Magazine
September 2015 - Featured artist, Fine Art Today e-newsletter, "Gleam of Light", by Fine Art Connoisseur
August 2015 - "Catalog of Selected Works by Mary Pettis, Expressive Realist", ©2015, Blurb Publishing
August 2015 - Featured artist in Fine Art Today e-newsletter published by Fine Art Connoisseur
April 2015 - Featured artist and artwork in The Artist's Road "Voices of Experience" interview
December 2014 - Featured Artist, 2013-2014 ARC Salon Finalist section in Fine Art Connoisseur
2014 - Artist and artwork included in commemorative mini book: Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational 2014 by MPAPI, Blurb Publishing
June 2014 - Featured Artist, Midwest Destination section in American Art Collector
May/June 2014 - Fine Art Connoisseur "Today's Masters" section, selected by editors to be included in "A Bouquet for Spring" article
2014 - Cover and documented in a full-chapter feature Profiles in Passion Volume 1: Artists & Artisans by Buz Swerkstrom, CreateSpace Independent Publishing
2014 - Featured in the “11th International ARC Salon Competition Catalog”, Art Renewal Center
October 2013 - ValleyWire entertainment/news magazine, feature article
2013 - National Park Service video – St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
2013 - Common Ground Documentary (judge, Grand Marais Plein Air Invitational)
2013 - Featured in the “10th International ARC Salon Competition Catalog”, Art Renewal Center
October 2009 - Featured Artist – "En Plein Air", Women Inc Magazine
2008 - Documented in a full-chapter feature in the book Polk County Places by Buz Swerkstrom, Full court Press, Atlas, WI
Spring 2008 - Featured Artist, online publication, Create Better Paintings, "Spring Painting Tips"
June 2005 – Featured Artist, Modern Masters section, “Contemplating her Aims” Plein Air Magazine
Fall 2003 - American Artist Magazine, National Academy of Professional Plein Air Painters News
2001 - Cover artist Saving the River by Helen McCann White and James Taylor Dunn, ©2001, ISBN: 0-9617292-1-X

Newspaper Articles and spotlights include The Milwaukee Journal, The St. Paul Pioneer Press, The Superior Evening Telegram, The Eau Claire Leader/Telegram, Maui News, The Osceola Sun, The Country Messenger, and many others.

Mary Pettis feature article in American Society of Marine Artist magazine

Achievements

Achievements

2025 - Juror for Art Renewal Center’s 18th International ARC Salon
2024 - Juror for Art Renewal Center’s 17th International ARC Salon
2020-Current - Board Member, American Society of Marine Artists
2022 - Juror for Art Renewal Center’s 16th International ARC Salon
2020 - Juror for Art Renewal Center’s 15th International ARC Salon
2018 - Inducted into the Saint Peter Public School’s Hall of Fame
2017 - Designated ARC Living Master™ by Art Renewal Center
1996-Current - Owner and director of Mary Pettis Galleries, studio school and gallery in Taylors Falls, MN
1991-1993 - Co-owner of Pettis & Wirkkula Arts studio gallery, Osceola, WI

Professional Organizations

Art Renewal Center, ARC Living Master™
American Society of Marine Artists, Signature and Board Member
American Impressionist Society, Signature Member
Oil Painters of America, Signature Member
Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, Member
Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Member

Gallery Affiliations

NKB Gallery 366, our primary showcase location, Minneapolis, MN

Professional Collaborators

Jennifer Nash Kochevar, JNK Art Partners — fine art consulting and representation, Minneapolis, MN
Mitch Rossow, Mitch Rossow Artwork Photography — plein air and studio photography featured throughout this site, Minneapolis, MN
Lakeside Studio — Classen's oil primed linen panels and custom framing, St. Croix, WI

Mary Pettis walking towards fog rising from the river to plein air paint.