Mary Jo Matsumoto is a contemporary figurative painter based in Laguna. Drawing on mythology, folklore, and literature, her latest series merges memory with the beauty and contradictions of Southern California. Matsumoto’s underlying themes of identity, family, and environment invite the viewer into a broader narrative.

CURRICULUM VITAE

EXHIBITIONS

2026 Mixed Feelings, Existing in the Space Between; Winter Exhibition at Brea Gallery

2026 The Gallery at Green & Stone, London Winter Salon

2025 The Gallery at Green & Stone, London Summer Exhibition

2025 SERENITY, International juried Exhibition

2024 Made in California, 39th Annual juried exhibit showcasing artists from the state of California.

2022 The de Young Museum in San Francisco, Pictures of People group show in celebration of Alice Neel, People Come First exhibition. 

2022 California Inclined: Robert Graham, Larry Cohen, Don Bachardy, Mary Jo Matsumoto, Holly Williams at Daniel Moshi Gallery, Los Angeles, California

2022 PANDEMIC at Sol Art Gallery, Dublin, Ireland.

2021 Arts to Hearts Project, Gaze, International Exhibition with 30 Women Artists

2019 Art Students League of New York, Group Bronze Show

2015 Art Students League of New York, Group Bronze Show

2015 Art Students League of New York, Group Drawing Show.

2014 Luhring Augustine, NYC, Visual Aids Post Cards From the Edge, “Woman in an Alexander McQueen Scarf”.  

AWARDS:

2019 Red Dot Winner (Best in Show), Art Students League of New York, Group Bronze Show

2015 Blue Dot Winner, Art Students League of New York, Group Bronze Show

 

PRESS:

The Gallery Companion

Less Than Half

Arts to Hearts Project GAZE exhibition catalogue 

LINEA The Artist’s Voice