Gallery Hours:
1-4 p.m. Daily

Jordan River Arts Council
301 Main Street
P.O. Box 1178
East Jordan, MI 49727
231-536-3385

The Marion MacKay Retrospective will open January 18 and run through February 14. Longtime family friend, Lesley Pritchard, is curator of the exhibition and will present a Gallery Talk during the opening. Marion's creative legacy survives in an extensive body of work produced over a period of 40 years. The exhibit has been selected from almost 200 original paintings, drawings, and sculpture, many of which have not been exhibited publicly. Her works can be found in many private collections and has been showcased in various periodicals.

Marion often stated, "From the first time I picked up a crayon, my destiny was stamped. I was born to be an artist!" Marion pained until her death iin 1996. She is survived by her husband Basil, son Mitchell, and daughter Marilee, who live in a large Victorian house in East Jordan.

Because of the number of works available for exhibition, the Jordan River Arts Council is producing this show in collaboration with Crooked Tree Arts Council. The Crooked Tree Arts Center show will open January 16. In addition, Penny Cristo, longtime friend of the MacKays and the owner of Shade Tree Stained Glass Studio, Petoskey, will also showcase Marion's work during the exhibit times.

Below is an article about Marion from Artists North written by Doris Huckle in 1978; photo by John Broder.

"Secluded high upon 'Cracker Barrel Hill' in the old Bohemian Settlement of East Jordan lies a very old log cabin, quaint and charming, circa 1800s, the home of Marion and Basil MacKay. Here Marion's inspirations turn into realities; she is a prodigy among artists.

Marion's works are constantly flowing through her, from spirit to mind, to hand, to canvas. marion also works in many other media, including clay, for its three-dimensional quality, and jewelry for love of the colorful stones that abundantly exist in this area. Her major works, however, are expelled onto canvas or paper, utilizing pigments in various forms.

It is very difficult to describe Marion's work because she has the ability to imbed into each deliverance the essence of emotion. She gives life to inanimate canvas so that it speaks to the viewer of Marion's deepest heartfelt sensitivities. "For every canvas I paint, a little part of my soul is left in the pigment."

Marion's work can speak strongly with solid powerful lines and color, or it can whisper softly in gentle shadings and soothing color. She can recreate a moment from life with ease and understanding, adding her artistic style to achieve nothing less than a true work of art.

Some of Marion's work is done in the realistic style that is easily understood and admired by any knowledgeable appreciator. Other works are executed in the abstract. It is here that Marion finds her best outlet for emotion. Some of her abstracts may make you angry, some may be cause for laughter, and some may be "chin-scratchers," but all of her works are reasons for study and admiration.

Marion's work encompasses her entire being and life. Anyone who meets her can sense the magnitude of the powerful force that compels her on her path. You will find it an honor to know this gentle red-haired woman who finds inspiration through all forms of life and humanity.

Marion's awards and one-person shows are numerous indeed and display the reasons why her works are sought by patrons of the arts."

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