About Rena Paradis

Rena Paradis, was born in Canada, but has lived in the United States most of her life and became naturalized in 1971. Painting and crafting throughout her childhood (greatly inspired by her artist mother), Rena began selling paintings in her teens. Selling ceramics and paintings through the 60's and '70's to Indian stores and galleries throughout the southwest and pacific northwest, Rena finally settled in Santa Fe and concentrated on painting; she still receives letters and requests for information about her art from those who purchased paintings or ceramics 30 years ago.

Rena's art work is stylized, focusing on portraits and situational studies of Native American and Hispanic people, her favorite subject. Comfortably familiar with the customs, culture and diversity found in Santa Fe, the colors and feelings of the southwest are very much an integral part of her artistic expression.

For the past 20 years, Rena has also been professionally involved in adult literacy initiatives, another passion, working with non-profit volunteer literacy programs throughout the state of New Mexico, who are helping adults learn to read. She retired in 2007 as Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy, and resumed her art career full-time.