Proud self-taught neurodiverse Canadian born artist.  Marianne, a life long curse, pronounced Marianna, Manna is a childhood nickname reclaimed as an artist alias as the world emerged from the dark cloud of Covid & she from a 20 year absence from painting & a discovery & acceptance of being Autistic.  Her first solo exhibit, Portrait of a BC Bird, at Timms Community Centre's Walkway Gallery, May-June 2025.  Currently exhibits through the Langley Arts Council, City of Langley, Federation of Canadian Artists, & Abbotsford Arts Council.  She also enjoys donating paintings to anonymous fundraisers, which include Arts Whistler, North Van Arts, Langley, Abbotsford, & Chilliwack Arts Councils, Art Party fundraiser for Seymour Art Gallery, & an art auction supporting BC Children's Hospital.  In 2022, she received the People's choice award for the 4th Annual Paint the Train Exhibit. Her proudest accomplishment, winner of the 2025 merchandise design for Pacific Riding For Developing Abilities (PRDA), a way to give back to the organization her kids attended for hippotherapy. Each painting holds a personal connection, based on photographs taken out & about as well as at home where feathered friends come regularly to visit.  Unlike her own experience, she strongly encourages her own 2 autistic boys to create. If it doesn't work the first time, use more paint. Life is full of colours, use them. Be bold & vibrant. Don't ever let others tell you how you should or shouldn't create.  Her motto: "I'm not everyone's cup of tea, & that's OK!"