Mestre Expedito, the artistic name of Expedito Antonino dos Santos, was born in 1932 in Domingos Mourão, in the Brazilian state of Piauí. A sculptor associated with Piauí's tradition of religious folk art, he became one of its prominent representatives, alongside influential figures such as Mestre Dezinho (José Alves de Oliveira).

His artistic development was largely shaped by practical experience in a variety of crafts. Before devoting himself fully to sculpture, he worked as a bricklayer, carpenter, cabinetmaker, shoemaker, and blacksmith, and also made musical instruments. The woodworking skills acquired through these occupations played an important role in the development of his sculptural practice.

His career gained greater recognition after he participated, encouraged by the mayor of his hometown, in a popular art fair organized by the Government of the State of Piauí in Teresina. After receiving first prize, Expedito began to attract wider attention for his work. In 1969, he moved with his family to Teresina, where he expanded his artistic practice and began producing sculptures on a larger scale.

In Teresina, he also worked alongside Mestre Dezinho at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, popularly known as Igreja da Vermelha. His contributions to the church include frames for the Stations of the Cross, a baptismal font, and an ornamental stand decorated with carved reliefs.

Mestre Expedito's production is primarily devoted to religious subjects. Saints, angels, and biblical narratives form a significant part of his repertoire. His encounter with the work of Aleijadinho encouraged a closer dialogue with Baroque references, particularly through a more naturalistic treatment of the human figure. At the same time, his sculptures retain distinctive elements of Piauí's regional culture and artistic traditions, including the influence of Mestre Dezinho.

Over several decades of artistic production, Mestre Expedito achieved recognition both in Brazil and abroad and received numerous awards. His work has also become an important reference for younger generations of sculptors in Teresina, contributing to the continuity and renewal of Piauí's tradition of religious sculpture.

According to the artist himself, he has produced more than ten thousand sculptures, frequently portraying Saint Francis, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Saint Anthony, and angels. Many of these works can be found in approximately 50 churches throughout Piauí, in Rio de Janeiro, and abroad, including Chile.

In 2005, Mestre Expedito was awarded the Medalha do Mérito Renascença do Piauí, regarded as the highest distinction granted by the State Government, in recognition of his artistic career and significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Piauí.