Originally from Chicago, Jennifer Maher now lives and paints in Upstate New York. She holds undergraduate degrees in both Fine Arts and English Writing from Knox College in Galesburg, IL. While at Knox she recieved a Ford Fellowship toward a project which melded painting and poetry. She recieved an MA and an MFA in painting from the State University of New York Albany, finishing in 1997. In the mid-90’s, the focus of Jennifer’s painting was rave/dance culture, taking the form of a series of large oils in the spirit of Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Moulin-Rouge” pictures. Her day-job also placed a brush in her hand, as she joined a small, family-run company making hand-made ceramic art-tile near Saratoga Springs, NY. Today Jennifer takes care of her baby daughter and continues to paint, mainly small canvases depicting urban and rural landscapes, architectural themes, and, of course, unique and significant toys.

A long-time collector of unique stuffed animals, she has often turned to them as inspiring subject matter for her artwork. The birth of her daughter in 2008 revived Jennifer’s interest in documenting favorite toys, especially those most special to baby Sonja. This series has expanded as other parents began requesting portraits of their own children’s special stuffed animals.

Let Jennifer create an original piece of art for you or your own child! Your painting of a beloved friend or old favorite transitions beautifully from the nursery to the walls of any art collection. Turnaround is quick, making a Toy Portrait an easy and unique gift.