In this week's episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I sit down with artist Mary Harris, for a fascinating conversation about the fine art world. While we usually spend a lot of time talking about murals, this episode takes a different direction as Mary shares what it really takes to build a career as an exhibiting fine artist.

Mary is a Los Angeles-based artist who has worked with brands like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Hyatt, Cinemark, Pressed Juicery, and more. She has built a career that blends commercial projects with gallery exhibitions, collectors, residencies, and the international fine art market.

We discuss what it takes to break into the fine art world and how artists can position themselves for gallery representation. Mary explains why building a cohesive body of work matters and how genuine relationships with other artists often lead to the biggest opportunities. She also shares practical advice on pricing artwork, finding grants and residencies, choosing professional materials, and creating a career that balances commercial work with personal creative projects.

If you've ever wondered what life looks like beyond commissions and murals—or if you've dreamed about seeing your work in galleries and museums—this conversation will help you better understand that path.