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The third child of seven, Mary Ellen grew up in a tiny 2-bedroom home in Northern Indiana. She describes her childhood as nothing but idyllic, surrounded by the love of a very closely knit Catholic family. She discovered at an early age what "gifts" her siblings were, so it's not surprising that the subject of "family" is at the center of her heart, as well as her art.
She knew she wanted to be an artist from the age of 6, when she received her very first art award from her first grade teacher. It was so obvious, at least Sister Joselda and Mary Ellen's grandmother could see it, that her talent was a gift from God. That one little award set her future path.
Her art is a reflection of the gifts she's received throughout her life. There's nothing better to her than laughing with her family and friends. If she had a motto it would be, "Never take life too seriously!" When she is able to capture that feeling of joy in a portrait, then all is right with the world! (Painting can also be like going to confession! Sometimes you stray from the path, but however long, or rocky the journey has been, you always find your way back to the easel, or the kneeler!)
Wherever Mary Ellen finds herself at the end of the day, she knows now that whatever she is able to create is a gift from one who knows her better than anyone else, and she still has so much to learn! She thanks God for her supportive family and friends, and the gifts of encouragement and motivation from the Wine Women in Oil.
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