Marvalisa Coley was born in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Northwestern High School and later attended the College for Creative Studies in Detroit in its Studying the Business of Art and Creative Writing Department.

Coley’s preferred medium is acrylics. She employs brilliant pigments creating the undulating shapes and forms of her abstract paintings. The perimeters of the shapes and forms are defined and enhanced by strong black outlines. Almost lyrical in nature, Coley’s paintings express strong and exuberant emotions. In viewing her work, one may feel as if his eyes are seeing what music would appear to be if it were depicted in colors, shapes and forms rather than musical notes.

Each rendition is a colorful outpouring of intense emotion. One feels as if Coley could have created each work by simply closing her eyes, listening to music and letting her brush be guided by the emotions emanating from her thoughts as she listens to the music. Although the pieces may appear to be simplistic in composition, they are not. The design, composition and colors of each rendition are guided by Coley’s artistic intuition as she uses a steady hand and fine brushes to produce intricate details and razor sharp outlines that have become  her signature technique.

Ms. Coley has had solo exhibitions in Detroit, Michigan at the Johanson Charles Gallery, the Liberal Arts Gallery and the 4731 Gallery. She has also participated in numerous group exhibitions, including the nationally known Black Fine Art Show in New York City, the Arts League of Michigan’s “The Art of a Woman” show in Southfield, Michigan, “Adventures in Abstract” at the Del Gallery in Lathrup Village, Michigan and MICHIGANNOW at the Detroit Museum of Modern Art.

Coley’s work may be found in both private and public collections including NEXT Detroit and ELE Wealth Management. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Conference of Artists, the Arts League of Michigan and the Detroit Artists Market.