Mary Downe
My work, both paintings and textiles, is inspired by my garden and the natural world.
I live in Vancouver, Canada. My garden, with its many colours and textures, is a major source of inspiration.
In 1987 I graduated from Emily Carr College of Art and Design with a Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies. I then I lived in Paris, France, for seven years where I taught drawing and colour at several Industrial Design schools including Ecole Superieure de Design Industriel.
In 2010 I returned to Capilano University in Vancouver where I obtained an Advanced Certificate in Textile Arts. Since then my travels in both India and Japan have awakened my love of natural dyes. In 2014 I studied Indigo dyeing and Shibori techniques in Japan.
I’ve exhibited in both Canada and France including exhibitions at Richmond Art Gallery, Artemis Gallery, The Gallery at Artisan Square, Laurentian University Art Gallery in Canada, and the Centre Culturel Franco-Japonais and Musee Adzak in Paris.
My scarves, natural dyes and natural fibres, are for sale at Circle Craft on Granville Island in Vancouver.
I exhibit my oil paintings in May every year in my studio at the West of Main Art Walk.
I live and work in Vancouver, BC.
Discover contemporary artworks by Mary Downe, browse recent artworks and buy online. Categories: contemporary canadian artists. Artistic domains: Painting, Artcraft. Account type: Artist , member since 2002 (Country of origin Canada). Buy Mary Downe's latest works on ArtMajeur: Discover great art by contemporary artist Mary Downe. Browse artworks, buy original art or high end prints.
Artist Value, Biography, Artist's studio:
Oil Paintings • 81 artworks
View allTextiles • 57 artworks
View all
Including~Indigo and Rust natural Dyes on Silk. Knitted and Crocheted Wool. Embroidery. Mixed Media [...]
Including~Indigo and Rust natural Dyes on Silk. Knitted and Crocheted Wool. Embroidery. Mixed Media Dresses constructed of various fabrics and Magnolia Leaves.
Fabric Sculptures • 14 artworks
View allIpad Drawings • 12 artworks
View allSold Artworks • 53 artworks
Recognition
Presented in Art Fairs
The artist participates in art shows and fairs
The artist participates in art shows and fairs
Professional Artist
Exercises the profession of artist as a main activity
Exercises the profession of artist as a main activity
Biography
I live in Vancouver, Canada. My garden, with its many colours and textures, is a major source of inspiration.
In 1987 I graduated from Emily Carr College of Art and Design with a Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies. I then I lived in Paris, France, for seven years where I taught drawing and colour at several Industrial Design schools including Ecole Superieure de Design Industriel.
In 2010 I returned to Capilano University in Vancouver where I obtained an Advanced Certificate in Textile Arts. Since then my travels in both India and Japan have awakened my love of natural dyes. In 2014 I studied Indigo dyeing and Shibori techniques in Japan.
I’ve exhibited in both Canada and France including exhibitions at Richmond Art Gallery, Artemis Gallery, The Gallery at Artisan Square, Laurentian University Art Gallery in Canada, and the Centre Culturel Franco-Japonais and Musee Adzak in Paris.
My scarves, natural dyes and natural fibres, are for sale at Circle Craft on Granville Island in Vancouver.
I exhibit my oil paintings in May every year in my studio at the West of Main Art Walk.
I live and work in Vancouver, BC.
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Nationality:
CANADA
- Date of birth : unknown date
- Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
- Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary Canadian Artists

Ongoing and Upcoming art events
No data available yet
Influences
Education
2010 - 2012
Advanced Degree in Textile Arts, Capilano University
Vancouver,
BC,
Canada
1985 - 1987
Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies, Emily Carr College of Art and Design
Vancouver,
BC,
Canada
Artist value certified
No data available yet
Achievements
Solo Expositions
2022
West Of Main Art Walk,
Vancouver,
BC,
Canada
2020
Toga Gallery
Okayama,
Japan
2019
West Of Main Art Walk
Vancouver,
BC,
Canada
2012
Artemis Gallery
North Vancouver,
BC,
Canada
2010
The Gallery@Artisan Square
Bowen Island,
BC,
Canada
2005
The Gallery@Artisan Square
Bowen Island,
BC,
Canada
2002
Richmond Art Gallery
Richmond,
BC,
Canada
Activity on ArtMajeur
Last modification date : Apr 24, 2025
(Member since 2002)
Image views: 143,989
Artworks by Mary Downe added to favorite collections: 66
Latest News
All the latest news from contemporary artist Mary Downe
Added Jan 14, 2020
Solo Exhibitions
West of Main Art Walk/Artists in our Midst, Vancouver, 2014-2019, 2009, 2000-2007
Artemis Gallery, North Vancouver, BC, 2012
The Gallery @ Artisan Square, Bowen Island, BC, 2010
Jericho Arts Centre, Vancouver, 2009
Burnaby Art Gallery, Get the Picture Feature Artist, Burnaby, 2007
The Gallery@Artisan Square, Bowen Island, BC, 2005
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, 2003
Richmond Art Gallery, Richmond, B.C., 2002
Maison V, Vancouver, 1997
Centre Culturel Franco-Japonais, Paris, France, 1996
Musee Adzak, Paris, France, 1996
L’Hotel des Beaux Arts, Paris, France, 1994
Art Mod, Tourettes-sur-Loup, France, 1994
Laurentian University Museum, Sudbury, 1993
Perel Gallery, Vancouver, 1989
Two Person Exhibitions
Visual Space, Vancouver, 2019
Added Dec 29, 2002
Expos Collective (Listing)
Circle Craft, Vancouver, 2017
Artemis Gallery, North Vancouver, 2015
Seymour Art Gallery, Capilano University Textile Arts Graduation Exhibition, North Vancouver, 2012
Artemis Gallery, North Vancouver, 2011
Propeller Gallery, "They're All Hybrids". Toronto, 2011
Galerie L'Art de Rien, Paris, 2009
Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Alumni Show, Vancouver, 1998
Ferry Building Gallery, Vancouver, 1998
Crown Gallery, Vancouver, 1996
Lavoir Moderne Parisien, Paris, 1996
Canadian Embassy, Paris, 1992-1996
Foto Base Gallery, Vancouver, 1994
Salon de Montrouge, Paris, 1994
Musee Adzak, Paris, 1993
Art Contemporain du Canada, Paris, 1992
Artropolis, Vancouver, 1990
Presentation House, Vancouver, 1988, 1987
Added Dec 29, 2002
Education
Mary studied painting at Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver and she has an Advanced Certificate in Textile Arts from Capilano University. She has studied Indigo dyeing and Shibori techniques in Japan.
She lives and works in Vancouver where she is inspired by her garden and the incredible beauty of the west coast of Canada.

Added Dec 29, 2002
Artist's statement
My paintings are an attempt to embody a quiet celebration of nature and its powers to renew and bestow peace. Colour, whether bright and joyful or subdued and peaceful, is the most important element in my work. I am interested in exploring the complexities and interplay of colours, patterns and textures. I am fascinated at watching the light in my garden change during the course of each day and throughout the seasons.
I have exhibited and am collected both nationally and internationally.
Added Dec 29, 2002
West of Main Art Walk Open Studio Tours on the West Side of Vancouver June 2nd and 3rd 2018
artistsinourmidst.com where you can find a map and list of artists exhibiting
Weekend of open studios in Vancouver
June 2nd and 3rd, 2018
Many artists west of Main street will be opening their studios for the weekend.
Added Dec 29, 2002
Expos Solo (Listing)
Artists in our Midst, Vancouver, 2014-2017, 2009, 2000-2007
Artemis Gallery, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada, 2012
The Gallery @ Artisan Square, Bowen Island, B.C., Canada, 2010
Jericho Arts Centre, Vancouver, 2009
Burnaby Art Gallery, Get the Picture Feature Artist, Burnaby, B.C., 2007
The Gallery@Artisan Square, Bowen Island, B.C., Canada, 2005
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, 2003
Torrefazione, Vancouver, 2003, 2002
Richmond Art Gallery, Richmond, B.C., Canada, 2002
Maison V, Vancouver, 1997
Centre Culturel Franco-Japonais, Paris, 1996
Musee Adzak, Paris, 1996
L'Hotel des Beaux Arts, Paris, 1994
Art Mod, Tourettes-sur-Loup, France, 1994
Laurentian University Museum, Sudbury, 1993
Perel Gallery, Vancouver, 1989
Recent activity
Activity on ArtMajeur

Great Site! I've been a member for many years. Very easy to post your work on their site.

Mary! I am admired by your work! At you wonderful feeling of color and the creative approach to art. Admires your sense of humour! Thanks for pleasure of dialogue with your works!

Just stumbled onto your site. I love your sculptures, they're so original and beautiful. Congratulations

Like your landscapes, particularly Umbria 1. I look forward to seeing more of your paintings on line.

Your lovely personality does reflect on your art work as well!!

Lovely work. Viewed P. 1, will be back for the others. Esp. enjoyed "Christina's Dress", "Leaves"

Excellent and colourfull paintings.Best wishes your future art career.
Reviews and comments

©2010 Mary Downe
beautiful, feels tropical
Mary! I am admired by your work! At you wonderful feeling of color and the creative approach to art. Admires your sense of humour! Thanks for pleasure of dialogue with your works!

Maria
•
Just stumbled onto your site. I love your sculptures, they're so original and beautiful. Congratulations
Like your landscapes, particularly Umbria 1. I look forward to seeing more of your paintings on line.
Lovely work. Viewed P. 1, will be back for the others. Esp. enjoyed "Christina's Dress", "Leaves"
Fajna stronka. Moje szczere gratulacje.
Excellent and colourfull paintings.Best wishes your future art career.

© Mary Downe

© Mary Downe
Congratulations for your work.