Marvalisa Coley has been an artist all of her life.  She is best known for her colorful abstract forms outlined in black. The Detroit-born artist has exhibited of her works in Metro Detroit’s finest art galleries. She experienced her first solo exhibit in June 2004 at Johanson Charles Gallery in Detroit’s Historical Eastern Market. Shortly after the nearly sold-out exhibition, the success continued with another solo show at the 4731 Gallery in Detroit, in early October 2004. Marvalisa has participated in several group shows in the following galleries; Redd Apple Gallery, voted #1 by Hour Magazine, A.C.,T Gallery, National Conference of Artists Gallery, Tangent Gallery, Del Gallery in Southfield, MI, the Detroit Museum of New Art, as well a few touring exhibitions with the Arts League of Michigan. She is a member of the National Conference of Artists.   In 2005, NCA commissioned  Marvalisa to produce 20 paintings for the 14th Annual Art Party Gala, an annual fund raiser exhibition.  She served as “Artist for the Occasion”, for this event.

In February of 2006 Marvalisa traveled to New York and exhibited her work among the early African American masters artists in the 10th Annual National Black Fine Art Show. Currently it is the largest single gathering of the vast spectrum of original Black fine art and artists, and has become the most important event in the marketing of such art. The primarily African American audience was drawn from all segments of the population and included celebrities like Spike Lee, Ed Bradley, Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson, Tyra Banks, Russell Simmons, Angela Bassett and Warren Beatty.

Primarily using acrylics her style is as unique and distinctive as her name. Marvalisa’s paintings reveal abstract figures created from subconscious visions. An intuitive vibe guides her exploration through abstract and figurative designs, with bright colors that reflect her infectious joy and passion for life, art, and the creative process itself.