Mary Peterson Vargas grew up beside the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. She passed the time exploring creation in the countryside and woods around her home. During these formative years, she rarely went out without her drawing pad and pencil, learning techniques that have been fundamental to her skills as an oil painter years later. Her start in oil painting began in her late twenties when her father taught her the basics. She also shares her passion with her late grandmother and former League of Roanoke Artists member, Myrna Peterson, who she remembers watching paint as a child.
She is a member of the League of Roanoke Artists and is delighted to have her work currently displayed at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, The Artisans Loft in Staunton, and Patina Creek Creative in Buchanan.
Exhibitions, Awards, and Publications
2022
Findings Gallery, Lynchburg, VA
Solo Art Show
The Artisans Loft, Staunton, VA
Group Exhibition
2021
League of Roanoke Artists, Roanoke, VA
35th Annual Showcase of the Arts
Honorable Mention, Oils
The Artisans Loft, Staunton, VA
Group Exhibition
2020
Patina Creek Creative, Buchanan, VA
Group Exhibition
The Artisans Loft, Staunton, VA
Group Exhibition
2019
Street Ransom, Roanoke, VA
Night of Hope
Auction Contributor
Logan Gallery, North Cross School, Roanoke, VA
Group Exhibition
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA
Virginia's Blue Ridge, A Metro-Mountain Adventure Group Exhibition
2018
Street Ransom, Roanoke, VA
Night of Hope
Auction Contributor
Land of 1000 Hills, Daleville, VA
Solo Show
Curata, A Blog by Circle Design
Local Artist Spotlight: Mary Vargas
League of Roanoke Artists, Roanoke, VA
33rd Annual Showcase of the Arts
Third Place Award, Oils
The Clutch Guide Summer 2018
Meet the Maker, Oil Painter Mary Peterson Vargas
MoArts Gallery, Moneta, VA
Solo Show
The Artisans Loft, Staunton, VA
Group Exhibition
2017
Southern Provisions Company, Lynchburg, VA
Oh What Fun Artists Showcase
The Artisans Loft, Staunton, VA
Artisans Speakeasy Group Exhibition
Plein Air South Peak, Roanoke, VA
Third Annual Paint Out and Wet Paint Awards Show and Sale
Juried Third Place Award
Street Ransom, Roanoke, VA
Truffles Against Trafficking
Auction Contributor
League of Roanoke Artists, Roanoke, VA
32nd Annual Showcase of the Arts
Judge's Choice Honorable Mention
The Artisans Loft, Staunton, VA
Curious Thou Art Group Exhibition
The Artisans Loft, Staunton, VA
Art on the Block Group Exhibition
Lynchburg Art Club , Lynchburg, VA
Second Annual Paint Out Lynchburg and Juried Show
2016
Lynchburg Art Club, Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg Art Festival
Olde Salem Day, Salem, VA
Guest Artist
Addison Art Gallery, Orleans, MA
Celebrating Our National Parks Plein Air Event and Reception
The Little Gallery, Smith Mountain Lake, VA
"Discover, Connect, Collect", 11 Artists Invitational Exhibition
League of Roanoke Artists, Roanoke, VA
Member Exhibition
Lynchburg Art Club , Lynchburg, VA
First Annual Paint Out Lynchburg and Juried Show
2015
The Little Gallery, Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Annual Small Works Exhibition
SPCA's 11th Annual Best in Show Fundraiser Exhibit, Roanoke, VA
2012
Highland Park Association, Roanoke, VA
Art in the Park Plein Air Event
Sponsor's Choice Award