Puppets - Mary Jane Porter

Puppet by Mary Jane Porter

A true Oklahoma native, Porter holds a BFA from Oklahoma State, an MA from the University of Tulsa, and has an extensive involvement in the Oklahoma art community, both as an artist and an art educator. She has taught at the university level in Kansas, Wisconsin and Oklahoma, and continues to teach through several organizations, as well as her studio where she gives puppet making and printmaking workshops. 

Tulsa Studio Tour Artist Mary Jane Porter in her studio with her work

She creates works that integrate several materials and media, including puppets made with found objects or paintings on loose vinyl, but she didn't start out this way. "When I was in undergraduate school the term "Mixed Media" had not reached the Midwestern art circles. Later on I was exposed to this art form and was encouraged by Tulsa artist and art director, Steve Ligget,  to explore it's possibilities," says Porter.

Her works, with their bold colors and complex characters, reflect her interests and curiosities, as well as her passions and her humor. The painting Meow-nah Lisa uses collage from the famous daVinci work combined with varying materials and loose impressionist brushwork to create a humorous image of a cat.  "My work reveals my interest in faces, faith, figures, and felines. I also enjoy expressing my humor as well as my serious side in what what I create. ," she said.

Meet & see the working studio of Porter along with 9 other artists on April 20-21, noon until 5 pm on the Tulsa Art Studio Tour. For more info, or to purchase tickets, visit www.TulsaArtStudioTour.org.