Mary Ann graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a Bachelor of Fine Art's degree and a major in painting. While in Lincoln she studied with James Eisentrager and Richard Trickey. While developing a love of modern abstract expressionists, her influences are diverse as American colorist Helen Frankenhaler and Spanish baroque Diego Velazquez.

A volunteer "Joslyn Information Associate" since 2000 at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, she is a member of the Brownville Fine Arts Association, and the Schoolhouse Gallery.