Mary B.

Mary Buchanan (born 1979, Detroit)

Hello. I am a multi-media artist currently based in Michigan, USA. I feel compelled to make art. Since I was little, I loved Vogue and Pet Shop Boys. Fashion, music, and art defined me.  And silliness. My senior year of high school, I studied in Glasgow with the American Field Service as a fiddle-playing exchange student. When I returned, I studied Fashion Design at FIDM in California, receiving an AA with Honors while working for designer Jessica McClintock. 

Returning to MI from CA, I had a child in 2010. The perfect muse with a love of art and Sherlock Holmes. We call Ypsilanti our home. We LOVE our Ypsi community! 

2012 brought me breast cancer. With the support of my family and friends, I was treated, followed by 10 years cancer-free! I took art classes, worked in IT, and cared for my youngster. In 2021, the sneaky disease metastasized in many of my organs. I have added University of Michigan to my circle of support and I WILL PERSIST! 

In 2023, I finished my degree at Wayne State Uni, BFA in Fashion Design, minor in Photography. I thank my brother-in-law and stepmom for nudging me to complete this goal. My mentor, Deborah Kingery, dressed in WSU gown and ushered me across the stage. Since, I have achieved other life goals like returning to the EU to introduce my child to my AFS family members, getting into an Art Museum exhibit, and being featured in a magazine of my art peers. I can not stress enough how much my loving family gave me the courage to be my authentic self. 

It is my privilege to now make art full-time. There is much to express these days. Today is November 06 2024. Ryan Patrick Hooper plays soothing music for Detroit on WDET radio. I am sad for many reasons today. But, turning the radio on reminds me I can be a part of the rich culture of my community and beyond. I hope you find something in my art that speaks to your heart. I hope you find in my art the universal and local experiences that we share. We need unity and connection now more than ever. Thank you for checking in here!