Mary Calkins began studies in 1971, but left to pursue other directions. She returned to the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston seventeen years later. This renewed commitment resulted in her BFA in Painting in 1994. During this time, Ms. Calkins developed an interest in Native American culture, which in 1992 led to a year of study at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Since completing her formal training, Ms. Calkins has pursued painting and printmaking full time. She combines techniques and approaches for unusual results; one of her favorites in the incorporation of collage in her work. The resulting images are rich with texture, color and environmental and historical influences.

Ms. Calkins' work is non-representational, allowing individual responses and interpretation. Her paintings have been featured in a number of shows.