MARY ELLEN GOETZ 

Painter | Clinical Psychologist | Art Therapist 

Artist Bio 

As a life-long artist and clinical psychologist, I have always viewed the act of creating as a vital, cathartic experience. I believe that creativity is not a rare gift, but a universal human capacity. My goal is to translate that belief into paintings that do more than fill a space—they transform the atmosphere of a home.

I lean into spontaneity to capture the first impression, responding to what pulls me in during the plein air experience. By trusting my intuition on the canvas, I create work that appeals to the senses: calming, relatable, and grounded. This process keeps an initial spark alive on the wall, providing a visual anchor that allows you to enter a moment of quiet familiarity or a new adventure.

Primary Mediums:  Oils and soft pastels 

Awards and Juried Exhibitions

Selected Juried Exhibitions 

  • Visions in Pastel, Philadelphia Pastel Society (2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Enduring Brilliance, Pastel Society of America (2022)
  • Small Works Exhibit, American Impressionist Society (AIS)
  • Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival, Wayne, PA
  • Brandywine Valley Plein Air, West Chester, PA
  • Philadelphia Sketch Club Annual, Philadelphia, PA Solo Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2022, One Person Show, White Horse Gallery 

Professional Affiliations 

  • Signature Member, Philadelphia Pastel Society
  • Member, Pastel Society of America (PSA)
  • Member, American Impressionist Society (AIS)

Professional Affiliations 

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 
  • Clinical Psychologist & Art Therapist 

Upcoming Exhibitions 

  • Speaking of Light: Jon Redmond & Students, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA (Feb 28 – March 28, 2026) 

Awards & Honors 

  • Best of Show, Maryland Mountain Plein Air (2023)
  • Best of Category,PleinAir Magazine (May 2025)
  • Second Place, Maryland Mountain Plein Air (2025)
  • Second Place, Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Winter Blues
  • Lauren Daddona Award, Wayne Art Center Members Juried Show (2025)
  • Blick Art Materials Award, Philadelphia Pastel Society (2024)
  • Gamblin Color Award, Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival
  • Honorable Mention, PleinAir Salon
  • Honorable Mention, Wayne Art Center Members Show

Publications & Press

  • Cover Artist & Feature, Palette Magazine
  • Award Feature, PleinAir Magazine (May 2025)

Notes from the artist, almost as special as the paintings.