Marie Thérèse Lacroix, the youngest of fourteen, was born in the Eastern Townships region of Magog, Quebec, Canada and raised in a French family, After moving to Montréal, Marie Thérèse discovered a new passion for the arts and enrolled in 1977 to courses taught by the renown painter Frère Jérome Paradis. Marie Thérèse developed her iconic style during her four years in Paradis’ studio, “La Partance” at the Collège Notre Dame in Montréal. In 1995, Marie Thérèse relocated to Philadelphia as a magazine publishing executive. During this time, she also studied at the University of Pennsylvania where she further improved her brushwork and honed the skills of her favorite medium- acrylic paints. Marie Thérèse in 2013 would continue her studies in Sarasota by taking additional courses at Ringling College of Art and Design.  Marie Thérèse now calls Sarasota her home as well as the location of her own art studio, Studio Lacroix. Her art can be easily recognized by her vibrant display of colors, exuberant flowers, humorous personas, and contemporary paintings. On her canvas she expresses her sensibility for people and her love of nature- which have been inspired by her naturally bright surroundings and vibrant people. Marie Thérèse also participates in numerous art exhibits; her artwork is sold in the United States, Canada, and Europe.  Marie is also involved with aiding her communities through her art, partnering both with the Florida Breast Cancer Association and Selah Freedom, More Too Life, which fights sex trafficking in the United States.