MaryAnn Bonura: Arts Alive

story by Liz Smith

Photo Hannah Falgout

MaryAnn Bonura was always destined to be an artist. Raised by creative parents in Metarie, she went on to graduate from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach Florida with a major in Fine Arts and minor in Graphic Design. She also took intermediate figure and portrait courses under Carol Peobles at The New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. But, life had many twists, turns and challenges in store for her.

MaryAnn married and started a family when she was quite young, but she had to earn a living in graphic design, photography and commercial real estate when she became a mother of five. After her kids had grown, she survived multiple personal and financial hardships, and she was happily remarried, she was finally able to focus on her art.

She now owns the MBonura Fine Arts Gallery and Studio in Old Mandeville, which showcases her fascinating blend of styles, moods and subjects. Of the seemingly incongruous nature of her work, which ranges from ethereal angels to disquieting abstracts to majestic horses, she says,“I think every artist has different periods. It’s just whatever is in my head and heart space. It’s about finding your voice.”

MaryAnn’s family has grown beyond her five children to include her husband Bruce, three stepchildren and four grandchildren. She is also quick to credit God with seeing her through life’s difficulties, providing opportunities and bestowing her with artistic gifts. In addition to creating original work, she does commissioned work and offers classes to help others cultivate their inner artistic talents.