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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 member of the National Capital Network of Sculptors