About the Artist

Canadian artist, Maria Saracino lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband Leo. After working as a graphic artist for 18 years, Maria discovered polymer clay and the creative possibilities of figurative doll art. Maria's one-of-a-kind art dolls have been recognized by leading international publications. Her work has won several awards as well as being included in special exhibits at museums and galleries across Canada and the United States. She has also developed a gift line that includes her limited edition Elves and Faerie Godmothers.

Awards

• Winner of the 1997 One-of-a-Kind Classic
  Sponsored by DOLLS Magazine, (US magazine with international distribution)
• Winner of the 2001 Industry's Choice DOTY Award
  Sponsored by DOLL READER Magazine, (US magazine)
• Nominee in the 2000 and 2001 Awards of Excellence Competition
  Sponsored by DOLLS Magazine
• 2005 Canadian Doll Artist’s Honour Award

Publications

• NEW
  Reverie Publishing Company announces ... Joan Muyskens Pursley Christmas Dolls
  A collection of contemporary dolls, this beautiful book will bring out the Christmas spirit in all who open its pages. More than 200 color photos of dolls by today’s top international artists and manufacturers, including Canadian artist Maria Saracino, bring to life every aspect of this beloved holiday.
  
  96 pages, $29.95
  Hard cover with dust jacket  •  8½ x 11 inches
  ISBN: 1-932485-25-2
  
  
• Feature article in Greensboro, NC High Point newspaper
  November 2003
  
  
• Published in over 59 issues of DOLLS Magazine, DOLL READER and Contemporary Doll Magazine US National magazines with international distribution.
  
  
• Published in UK magazine DOLLS, November 2001.
  
  
• Published in Canadian Creations, January 2002.
  
  
• Feature Article in November 2000 issue of DOLLS Magazine.
  
  
• Feature Article and cover photo in Canadian Doll Journal, 1999.
  
  
• Ottawa Citizen feature stories: December 1998 - October 1999.
  
  
• Cover photograph on the 1997 Lee Valley Tools Christmas Gift Catalogue
  
  
  

Exhibits

• Life Size Sculpture on display in the seasonal Christmas Exhibit at the CN Tower, Toronto, ON
  
  
• Life Size Sculpture on display in the seasonal Children's Victorian Christmas Exhibit at the Museum of Civilization, Hull, Quebec
  
  
• "Hopeless Romantic" 20" sculpture on display in the 3 year Timeless Treasures Exhibit at the Museum of Civlization, Hull, Quebec
  
  
• Christmas 2001 display at the Godrich Museum, Godrich, ON
  
  
• "Presenza" Exhibit, Museum of civlization, 2003-2004
  
  
  

Seminars & Demonstrations

• Marketing and Promotions Strategies for the Doll Artist Canadian Doll Artists Association annual Conference, May 2000, Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
• Doll Sculpting Seminar and Demonstration
  Museum of Civlization, April 2000, Hull, Quebec
  
  
• Magazine and Media PR Tips
  Canadian Doll Artist's Association Conference, May 2001, Toronto, Ontario
  
  
• Sculpting Hands without Armatures
  Canadian Doll Artist's Association Conference, May 2002, Niagara Falls, Ontario
  
  
  

Clubs and Associations

• Canadian Doll Artists Association
  Vice President from 1999 (first year of operation) to June 2002
  1999 -2003: coordinator of CDAA doll art competition
  2001 to present: mentor in CDAA mentoring program
  2003: Advertising and promotions coordinator
  
  
• American Doll Artists Association, Member from 1997 to present
  
  
• Professional Doll Artists Association, Member from 1997 to 1999