Maritza Beatriz Longtin Lives in the delightful city of Deland, Florida, with her husband Nelson. A small and very quaint city, Deland is the home of Stetson University, and many quaint shops and restaurants.

Born in Cuba, Maritza and her family migrated to the US, October 5, 1960. Thrown into American culture without preparation, Maritza had to learn a new language and adjust to a totally new life. While in middle school, an art teacher introduced Maritza to the world of art and painting. this quickly became her much needed way to express herself in a new world.

“My art was born out the need to connect with the world at a time I didn’t have a voice. At the age of 12, I migrated to the US, escaping Castro’s communist tyranny. My art was a sweet expression of the child that I was, a child who was unable to communicate with works for about two to three years. It was my first voice in a new country, it’s also my expression of deep gratitude to my Lord and Savior, who saved me in so many ways. I experience great joy as I paint and pray! And my paintings come from a deep place of personal worship to Jesus and all He has done in my life”.

One of the greatest blessings the Lord has given me are my husband Nelson, my daughters Naomi and Junelle, their husbands and my five adored grandchildren. They give my life a depth of joy beyond description.

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”