Art Work by Mary K Murphy
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Journey through Art

Life is full of surprises and beauty.
My watercolors offer moments to just pause, to notice - whether it's a sunrise, a walk in the woods, a memory, or the sheer joy of colors mixing on the page.
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Featured Work

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​Current Exhibits/Galleries​

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2026 Women in Watercolor International Exhibit (WIW; view Online exhibit): So blown away and honored to learn that "Finding Hope (Making Orange Beautiful Again)" was awarded Third Place/Abstract Category in this juried and prestigious show. My watercolor was one of 254 accepted among over 1700 entries from 59 countries.

My deepest thanks to the award judges: Lynn D. Pratt, Lorraine Simonds, Michelle Nixon, Dr. Deepti Singh, Francesca Pracilio, Kathleen S. Giles, Mary Jansen, Rachel Parker Varner, and Veneta Docheva

This is the second time my work has been recognized by WIW. I am so grateful for their acknowledgement!

You can see Finding Hope in person at the Turner Senior Resource Center exhibit Aug 4-Oct 29, 2026.


PictureFinding Hope (Making Orange Beautiful Again) (Watercolor; 36"x48")
Turner Senior Resource Center:  2-person exhibit. The show will feature 15-20 of my impressionistic and abstract watercolors. My newest abstract, Finding Hope, will be part of the exhibit. Thrilled to learn that it was just recognized in the 2026 Women in Watercolor International Exhibition.

Sophie Grillet will be exhibiting her beautiful oil and acrylic abstracts as well.

When: Aug 4-Oct 29, 2026.
Opening Reception: Aug 9, 2026 from 3-5p. Brief artist talk at the reception.

Hope to see you at the reception or meet up if you'd like to go another time. It will be a fun exhibit.  I'm excited to share my new work.



PictureDaisies Up (Limited edition, signed reproduction)
​Gutman Gallery: 118 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI.

I'm honored to have several of my watercolors, signed, limited edition giclee reproductions, and notecards available. This is a wonderful gallery with numerous exhibits and works on hand by local and nationally-known artists. Great place to pick up that special gift. 

​Hours: Wed-Sat, 11-5. Can't get there? Visit the gallery's online store. 




Coming Exhibits​​​


PictureFinding Light) (Watercolor on Aquaboard; 36"x24")
97th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition (MCAE) - Muskegon Museum of Art. My watercolor abstract, Finding Light (little boxes, little boxes), will be part of the MCAE exhibit. My thanks to juror, Lauren Semivan, for including  my work in the show. This is the second time my work has been juried into the MCAE (2024). It is such an honor to be displaying my work with so many creative and talented artists.

About the Exhibit: "The 97th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation."

When: September 10, 2026 - Nov 4, 2026.
Opening Reception: Sep 10, 5pm-7pm

Let me know if you plan on going to the reception. Happy to carpool or meetup.

I hope you will stop by this wonderful exhibit, beautiful museum and fun Lake Michigan beach town. Make a weekend or more of it! 



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Ann Arbor Fall Studio Tour: November 14-15, 2026, 11a-5pm. One of 20+ artists displaying work, sharing techniques and processes. Stay tuned for more details.


Installations - Ann Arbor/Saline


PictureDaybreak (Watercolor (poured); NFS; prints available)
PowerArt! 2024 Public Art Project:  My painting, Daybreak, was on of 11 works selected by jury and then public vote. PowerArt! is an ongoing public art project that wraps the traffic signal boxes in downtown Ann Arbor with vinyl-printed replicas of local artists' work. What a fun and beautiful way to brighten the city and reduce graffiti. ​

Daybreak is installed at the corner of S. Seventh and Pauline in Ann Arbor, MI. 


PictureDaybreak (Watercolor (poured); NFS; prints available)
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Art Around Saline 2024: 
Saline Arts & Culture has been so kind to juror one my paintings for Art Around Saline this year. A 6 ft x 4 ft print of Daybreak will be displayed outside this summer. It can be found on Ann Arbor St., just south of Michigan Ave.



PictureRainy Road to Bryson City (Watercolor; NFS; prints available)

​Art Around Saline 2023: I was thrilled to learn that the Art Around Saline 2023 jury selected my watercolor Rainy Road to Bryson City.

You'll find a 6 ft x 4 ft print of the painting outside the McPherson Building on Ann Arbor St., just south of Michigan Ave


PictureJellies (Watercolor; 22x30)

​Art Around Saline 2022
 - A 6 ft x 4 ft print of my Jellyfish watercolor (Jellies) was one of six works accepted for community display. It's been moved recently to make room for the 2024 entries. Happily, it will be displayed at Saline City Hall .


All images and works are copyrighted and may not be reproduced, copied, distributed without permission of the artist.


  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Exhibits
  • News
    • The Journey
  • About the Artist
  • Contact