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Biography: Marvalisa

Marvalisa Coley has been an artist all of her life and has become known for her colorful abstract forms contoured in black. The Detroit-born artist has shown many of her works in some of Metro Detroit's finest galleries. She experienced her first one-woman exhibit in June of 2004 at Johanson Charles Gallery in Detroit's Historical Eastern Market. Shortly after the nearly sold-out exhibit, the success continued with another one-woman exhibition at the 4731 Gallery in Detroit, in early October of 2004. Marvalisa has participated in many group shows over the past few years in the following galleries; Redd Apple Gallery, voted #1 by Hour Magazine, A.C.,T Gallery, National Conference of Artists Gallery, Tangent Gallery, Del Gallery in Southfield, MI, the Detroit Museum of New Art, as well a few touring exhibitions with the Arts League of Michigan. She is also a member of the National Conference of Artists, a 30-year-old organization that host several exhibits throughout the year. Marvalisa was commissioned by NCA to produce 20 paintings for the 14th Annual Art Party Gala, an annual fundraiser exhibition. She served as "Artist for the Occasion", for this event in 2005.

In February of 2006 Marvalisa traveled to New York and exhibited her work among the early African American masters artists as Edward Bannister, Robert Duncanson, Henry Tanner; Harlem renaissance masters like Aaron Douglas, Palmer Hayden, Ellis Wilson, Charles Alston, Hale Woodruff, and William Johnson; modern masters such as Romare Bearden, Eldzier Cortor, Benny Andrews, and Elizabeth Catlett; young giants like, Danny Simmons, Cheryl Warrick, Francks Deceus, Carrie Mae Weems and Frank Morrison, in the 10th Annual National Black Fine Art Show. Currently it is the largest single gathering of the vast spectrum of original Black fine art and artists, and has become the most important event in the marketing of such art. The National Black Fine Art Show attracts leading galleries and dealers in both the primary and secondary markets from across the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. The primarily African American audience was drawn from all segments of the population and included celebrities like Spike Lee, Ed Bradley, Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson, Tyra Banks, Russell Simmons, Angela Bassett and Warren Beatty.

Primarily using acrylics her style is as unique and distinctive as her name. Marvalisa's paintings reveal abstract figures created from subconscious visions. An intuitive vibe guides her exploration through abstract and figurative designs, with bright colors that reflect her infectious joy and passion for life, art, and the creative process itself.

Marvalisa discovered her artistic talent in early childhood. She often found herself doodling all sorts of images whenever possible. She had a natural ability to recreate characters from the pages of her coloring books, pictures from magazines, and create characters from her own imagination. Her first art lesson came from her late mother who proved to be a creative and gifted person as well. Later in life she began developing her own signature style and technique. Innovative, she often duplicates her images to create notebook covers, personalized greeting cards and invitations. She has been inspired by some of Detroit's most talented and successful artist and has taken a strong liking to the works of international artist Alfred Gockel and Francois Ledan, commonly known as "Fanch".