Mary Lou Stewart received her Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Painting/Drawing/Printmaking from Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus Ohio, and a Master of Fine Art (M.F.A) degree from Arizona State University.

In addition to teaching Design, Drawing and Painting for Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mary Lou has also been teaching art at Glendale Community College since 1998.

Besides teaching, Mary Lou is the founder and administrator of the Creative Art Academy in Phoenix, and has served a year as the coordinator/program specialist for the Shemer Art Center in Phoenix.

Mary Lou has an extensive exhibit record and her work is in the following collections: Arizona University, Price Waterhouse, Bank of San Diego, Boise Cascade, Troom Country Club, Department of Economic Security, Washington DC, First American Title, Founders Bank, Harris Trust Investment Co., Hughes Aerospace, and Ohio State University. She says of her work: "My paintings symbolize an intimate integration of my life's experiences, and day to day encounters."