Maria Saracino is an award winning figurative artist. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario in Canada.
Working as a graphic artist for 18 years, she honed her skills creating watercolour, acrylic and multi-media paintings as well as experimenting with textiles and sculpture.
Maria discovered polymer clay in the mid 1990's and the creative possibilities of figurative sculptures. Maria's one-of-a-kind sculptures have been recognized by leading international publications. Her work has won several awards as well as being included in special exhibits at museums and galleries across Canada and the United States. During this time she has also developed a gift line that includes her limited edition Elves and Fairies as well as other unique seasonal items.
Awards
2023 Professional Doll Artist Guild
2022 Contemporary Art Gallery - Social Conciousness Award
2020 Contemporary Art Gallery - Figurative/Portrait Competition, Gallery Choice award for Pigtails and Braids
2020 Gold Award, 2nd place Portrait Dolls - Professional Doll Makers Guild
2020 Certified Master Artist Recognition from Professional Doll Makers Art Guild.
29th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, Certificate of Excellence.
April 2019 Light Space Time Figurative Art Exhibition - 1st Place, 3D Category for The Railroad Traveller.
2019 Contemporary Art Gallery - third place for "All Aboard" in the All Women Artists Competition.
2019 Light Space Time Figurative Art Exhibition, Special Merit award for "Lunch in the Park"
2014 People's Choice Award, AOE Arts Council, SELECTION Exhibit for "The Selfie"
"The News" selected for ART KUDOS 2014-2015 One Year International Online Exhibit
Art Work of the Month for May 2014, Figureworks.org
Art Master This Month, March 2014, Gallery For.Me, NY
First Prize Winner in Figureworks 2013
Winner of the 1997 One-of-a-Kind Classic
Winner of 2001 Industry's Choice DOTY
Nominee in the 2000-2001 Awards of Excellence
Canadian Doll Artists 2005 Honour Award
2013 Most Attractive Display Award, The Ottawa Doll Show
Winner of the 2014 Easter Seals Art Competition
Publications and Exhibits
2022 - A for Artistic E-magazine - feature article
2022 Vol.17 Cover and feature artist - International Doll Artist's Magazine
Cover and feature artist - Doll Castle News November 2021
2016 - A for Artistic E-magazine - cover and feature article
Reverie Publishing Company announces . . . Joan Muysken Pursley's Christmas Dolls. A collection of contemporary dolls, this beautiful book will bring out the Christmas spirit in all who open its pages. More than 200 color photos of dolls by today's top international artists and manufacturers including Canadian artist Maria Saracino, bring to life every aspect of this beloved holiday. 96 pages $29.95. Hard cover with dust jacket.
Self-Publication - The History of Father Christmas
Life size Sculpture on display in the seasonal Christmas Exhibit at the CN Tower, Toronto, ON
Life size sculpture on display in the seasonal Children's Victorian Christmas Exhibit at the Museum of Civilization, Hull, Quebec
Hopeless Romantic, 20" sculpture on display in the 3 year Timeless Treasures Exhibit at the Museum of Civilization, Hull, Quebec
Christmas 2001 display at the Godrich Museum, Godrich, ON
Broadway Bears, New York Broadway Fundraiser for Aids Research. Design of "Scarecrow" bear from the Wiz, signed by actress Stephanie Mills.
Presenza Exhibit, Museum of Civilization, 2003-2004
Current president of the National Capital Network of Sculptors