Mary Freida

Mary Freida has been involved in the arts for over 40 years. She started as a fiber artist in 1989 creating artistic basketries, rustic furniture and participating in many art festivals as well as teaching classes. She then became an active member in an artist co-op, The Gallery, on Main Street in Canandaigua, NY that provided an opportunity to sell her artwork.

Over time Mary started taking classes in oil painting. She has studied with many artists such as Kenn Backhaus, Dick Kane and Pat Rini Rohrer. One of Mary’s passions is landscape painting, which includes plein air painting. Mary has been involved in juried competitions and plein air events throughout the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks. Mary was named People’s Choice Award at Anthony Road Winery’s plein air event in 2022. She also received an honorable mention at Canandaigua Plein Air Event in 2021 and People’s Choice Award at Paint Palmyra Plein Air Event in 2021. 

By profession Mary is a registered nurse, with her Masters in Nursing Education. Early in her nursing career Mary knew the importance of being grounded in holistic health care. She found that being creative is essential for wellbeing.