As a pioneer for women's art in Italy and America, she was the first woman admitted to the Accademia di Belle Arti, "Academy of Fine Arts", of Florence. Born in Italy and raised in Memphis, TN, Mary Solari participated as a contestant and judge at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago (World's Columbian Exposition), where she was the only Southerner and woman on the panel of the international jury of award. Solari exhibited her work at the Woman's Building at the 1893 World's Fair. Her artwork was also displayed at the 1897 Tennessee Centennial, where she received first prize for oil painting, first and second prizes for watercolor, first prize for crayon, first prize for landscape, and first prize for overall collection. She also displayed her works at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition, where she was awarded multiple medals. She is renowned for her artwork, and considered one of the best artists from the State of Tennessee. In 1859, Mary's sister, Catherine Solari, married Domenico Canale, who later became a major alcohol and produce distributor throughout the Southern United States.