Maria Arias is a Venezuelan-French artist living in Houten, where she has found a deep sense of home in this open and welcoming environment.

In 2007, she read about a heartbreaking exhibition in which a starving dog was used as "art." That moment changed her life forever. She launched several campaigns to help stray animals in Venezuela and organized sterilization programs from the Netherlands. However, after witnessing immense cruelty, she decided to contribute to animal welfare in a different way.

In 2016, she picked up painting again and began using her art to promote love and respect for animals. She donates monthly to various animal organizations and hopes that her paintings inspire people to see animals as majestic beings deserving of the utmost respect. Bringing joy to people who commission a portrait of their beloved pet is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.