In 2003 Maria Friske won a NYFA Special Opportunity Stipend to begin studying ceramics to incorporate into a new body of work. She chose ceramics as a medium to help create 3 dimensional elements to her paintings that could exist with longevity and structural integrity in public spaces. The new body of work is meant to reflect cultural diversity and to document successful community gathering spaces in Rochester NY in a series of paintings.

To Market appeared in October 2004 at the ROCO Members show and won the Rochester Arts and Cultural Council Award for painting. It was modified in January of 2005. From the ROCO Members show she was invited to show at the Upstate Invitational at Hartnett Gallery at the University of Rochester where Three Vendors and Map of Cobbs Hill appeared.

In the Spring of 2005 she created a poster and limited edition print of "Three Vendors" for the Rochester Public Market Centennial Anniversary which was chosen by WXXI as a featured pledge gift, and is currently available through Java Joe’s and S.C. Fine Arts Gallery.

June 10, 2005 at the opening reception for the limited edition print at S.C. Fine Arts Gallery "To Market" and "Three Vendors" were sold to a private collector.