About The Artist

Born in rural Michigan, Marie Bergstedt was the first in her family to attain a high school degree. Completing a Bachelor of Arts in education was both a practical life support decision and a celebration of the American education dream. In all the years since receiving that college diploma, she has dedicated herself to obtaining what she really wanted, a formal education in visual art, usually after work hours, but for a couple of years, full time. In the 70s and 80s Marie moved to California and exhibited large-scale hand- colored photographs, most of them related to childhood memories. Her photography was selected for more than 30 juried exhibitions, three that toured. She was featured in invitational exhibitions at Coos Bay Art Museum, Oregon; Reed Whipple Cultural Center, Las Vegas; Vicksburg Historical Center, Michigan; and Orange Coast College, California; including purchase awards for six pieces. Marie continued her studies and art practice while serving as a fund development professional in non-profit organizations. During this time she transitioned to fiber art. Now, returned to full-time art, Marie has combined the conceptual roots of her photographic images with her fiber and design skills. Since 2008, her sculptural work has appeared in 26 juried exhibitions and received six awards, including an invitation from Kennedy Publishing for their 10th anniversary online Collector's Edition of "extraordinary" artists. In 2010 and 2011 four publishers have selected her sculpture for inclusion in their art books.