The above paintings will be shown at the Florence Biennale.

San Jose artist Mary Medrano was stunned when she got the invitation to one of the world’s most exclusive international art exhibitions, the Florence Biennale.

Only artists selected by an elite jury of some of the world’s top art authorities will be showing their work at this biennial event in Florence, Italy December 1-9, 2007. “I got a letter in the mail with the invitation,” said Medrano. “My first thought was to wonder who was writing me from Italy, and then when I read the invitation, I just couldn’t believe it.” She doesn’t know who submitted her name. Apparently, the judges looked at her paintings posted on her website (www.marymedranogallery.com) and were impressed.

The three paintings she is showing at the Florence Biennale are particularly compelling. “Circle of Life” was painted after her mother’s death and honors the passage of her mother’s spirit, as well as her warm and gentle nature. “Content” shows two elderly friends, with the color and treatment providing a haunting reminder of the brevity of life. “Pearl Necklace” is a defiant and mysterious young woman who faces the viewer boldly with her orange dress and flaming hair.

The Florence Biennale is the largest exhibition of contemporary art in the world. Known officially as the “Biennale Internazionale dell’Arte Contemporanea,” the exhibition is expected to attract 40,000 viewers to the historical Fortezza da Basso. This is one of Florence’s most significant monuments and includes buildings that date back to the 16th century and Medici era.

Congratulations Mary!