Mary Catherine Solberg
Mary Catherine Solberg is a contemporary figurative painter whose work bridges the reverence of classical art with the urgency of modern life. Drawing inspiration from Renaissance masters and sacred iconography, Solberg reinterprets timeless motifs through a contemporary lens, blending beauty, vulnerability, and humor. Her paintings often stage a dialogue between the sacred and the profane—where halos meet pop culture, and where devotion coexists with irony.
Through her innovative use of materials and layered textures, Solberg evokes the aged patina of frescoes while infusing each piece with modern vibrancy. Her work invites viewers to reflect on spirituality, identity, and the stories we inherit and transform.
Solberg’s art has been exhibited in juried and solo shows nationwide, including the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, and Hopkins Center for the Arts. Her paintings are held in numerous private and public collections, including the Hennepin County Medical Center and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. In 2025, her painting The Competition was featured on the cover of American Artwork’s 20th annual print edition.
Instagram: @driftlessicons
Mary Catherine Solberg. Day Dream. Mixed media. Acrylic spray paint. 76 x 76 cm.
Mary Catherine Solberg. Green Eyes. Glitter. Mixed media collage. 61 x 61 cm.
Mary Catherine Solberg. Leaving the Driftless Zone. Oil, plaster on canvas. 122 x 152 cm.
Mary Catherine Solberg. Vibrant. Mixed media. Acrylic spray paint. 61 x 46 cm.

