Maria Friske proudly declares herself an "American artist, a regionalist, even a localist." Deeply inspired by a sense of community and place, her work conjures up the genus loci of natural features and landmarks across the Finger Lakes region of New York State , especially the historical Rochester (NY) Public Market. Her innovative use of 3- dimensional objects, combined with an interest in mythic forms, results in a revelation and celebration of contemporary iconography that is designed to enchant by re-animating "common places" with a renewed spirit of community and shared values.
Educated at Syracuse and Alfred Colleges, after a brief sojourn in the sciences, Friske lived briefly in Manhattan launching a successful career in the commercial arts, which won her numerous awards and citations. In 1997 she began a transition from illustration and graphic design to painting. She has served on the Fine Arts faculties of Nazareth College and the University of Rochester.
Most recently Friske was commissioned to design an outdoor mural by the Swillburg Neighborhood Association (Rochester, NY) through the Arts & Cultural Council's Culture Builds Communities Block Grant Program. The 5-panel, multi-dimensional metal and acrylic mural was installed in August 2006.
Active in community and arts initiatives, Friske devotes considerable time to grass roots art organizations and events to promote emerging artists and young artists in "at risk" populations in Rochester NY. She is the founder and Director of Artist Row, the Rochester Public Market Annual Arts Fair. Her work has been shown in galleries across Western New York State.
