Mark Vazquez-Mackay graduated with a BFA Degree in Painting from AUArts in 2002. Since then, Mark has moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, in search of a different culture and history. After completing his MFA Degree at the Instituto Allende, Mark returned to Calgary in 2004 to continue painting and drawing in his own studio.

Mark’s studio practice is highly exploratory. At times, he is driven by material experimentation, other times he is driven by conceptual research and questioning. The direction of his work is always informed by the context he is living and what is influencing his ideas.

As an educator, Mark has worked with a diversity of populations from post-secondary students, to therapy patients, to marginalized peoples. His broad experience has helped develop him into a well rounded educator who is able to work with all people in sharing his love for art.

Currently much of Mark’s time is spent mentoring practicing artist from around the world.

A large part of Mark’s practice is spent developing the creative community. Whether he is leading community mural projects, giving lectures, leading groups of learners on art retreats, or contributing to non-profit art organizations, Mark believes in giving back to the community to help it grow and share his vast knowledge.