Mary Morez facts for kids

Mary Morez (born January 16, 1946 – died September 25, 2004) was a talented Navajo painter. She was known for her unique art style that mixed traditional Navajo ideas with modern, abstract designs.

Early Life and Challenges

Mary Morez was born near Tuba City, Arizona. When she was a young girl, she faced some serious health challenges. She became sick with both polio and rheumatic fever. These illnesses required her to have many operations. Later, she was adopted by Lawrence and Mary Keim.

Education and Artistic Path

Mary Morez began her art education at the Phoenix Indian School. After that, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona. Her talent was clear, and she received a special scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to study fashion illustration at the Ray Vogue Art School in Chicago.

However, in 1969, Mary decided to focus completely on painting. She chose to become a full-time painter instead of working in commercial art. Two famous artists, Allan Houser and Oscar Howe, were important mentors to her when she was starting out. They helped guide her artistic journey.

Artistic Style and Work

Mary Morez's paintings were special because they brought together different worlds. She combined traditional elements from her Navajo heritage with a more modern, abstract style. This made her art truly unique. Besides painting, Mary also worked as a textile artist, creating art with fabrics and threads. For most of her career, she lived in Phoenix, Arizona.

Today, you can find Mary Morez's artwork in important collections. For example, some of her pieces are part of the collection at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Her art continues to inspire people and show the beauty of blending old traditions with new ideas.