Mary Joan cultivated her passion for oils from an early age, expanding her studies across the United States, Europe, and the Far East. Transitioning from her role as a Professor of Fine Arts and Humanities at FSCJ, she earned her PhD in 2005, subsequently dedicating herself to teaching and exhibiting across the eastern United States. In 2020, M.J. redirected her focus to exclusive artistic pursuits, instantly earning accolades such as the Botticelli Award and the 2022 Best Public Art award.