Maria Tavarez is a self taught abstract expressionist acrylic artist that captures current and past emotions through a series of art works that provoke thought and conversations regarding mental health. Maria was born in Santiago, DR, grew up in the Bronx, NY, and moved to NC in 2015.

After battling her own depression, seeking counseling and deep diving into self-discovery she started her own healing process through painting. This journey began during Covid in 2021. In 2023, Maria fully dove into establishing a presence in the Triangle with 8 group exhibitions, 4 art discussions and one group mural project currently at the Helen's Wright Women's Center in Raleigh. Maria is currently a fellow with DALI- Diamante Arts Leadership Institute, the lead outreach liaison and volunteer with Art for All-NC and part of the planning committee with Drinking Gourd Gallery.