

ARTIST , EDUCATOR AND FOUNDER
MAYRA FRANCO
Mayra Franco was born in Mexico City, in a country filled with colors and a diversity of cultures and traditions. She inherited from her land its characterizing colors, textures, and sensitivity—expressing her senses in different ways; taking from her experiences the feelings, sounds, and contexts, and transforming each one of them into different means of expression—transforming the abstract into the tangible.
Her education began long before any formal studies. Growing up inside her mother's school—a project born from the drive to design new and innovative learning methods—Mayra was immersed in an environment of creativity, experimentation, and alternative approaches to education. This early experience deeply shaped her artistic and pedagogical vision.
In 1998, after seeking ways to further develop her abilities, Mayra was awarded a full scholarship to study graphic design and photography at the International Fine Arts College in Miami, Florida. Upon completing her studies, she continued her training by taking courses in Europe to enhance and refine her photographic technique.
As a professional artist with a strong foundation in education, she thrives on the adrenaline of new business ventures—where creativity and imagination go beyond her clients' expectations. In 2016, she founded CANELA ART STUDIO, a children's art program that supports them through different stages of development. The program emphasizes the power of observation and encourages children to express their thoughts and ideas through multiple forms of artistic language.
In 2023, Mayra launched THE STUDIO by CANELA, expanding the vision by inviting other creative projects to join. She believes in collaboration over competition—recognizing that welcoming others makes Canela stronger, more diverse, and able to offer a wider range of possibilities under one roof.