With a career spanning over 60 years, Mary Ross is a Marion-based artist exploring painting, printmaking, found object assemblages and her most well-known work: collages with paper and paint.
A collection of Ross’ work is on display at the Marion Art Center, now through August 5 in the MAC’s newest show, Mary Ross: A Retrospective. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, July 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, with the community invited to celebrate her 95th birthday in addition to her body of work.
Curated by artist and architect Anthi Frangiadis, the exhibition includes acrylics, oils, collages and assemblages from throughout Ross’ career.
Trained as a painter in oils and acrylics, Mary Ross studied at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design from 1945-1948, leaving before graduation to care for her mother while her siblings enlisted in the service. Introduced to collage in the 1960s, Mary quickly switched from wallpaper scraps to a “more painterly” rice paper.
Always surrounded by art, Mary worked as the Art Director for Boston Parks and Recreation Department, where she taught art classes to adults and children alike. Mary became active with the Marion Art Center early in her career and volunteered for many years on some of the first Sidewalk Art Sales.
She was also instrumental in bringing art to the Marion Council on Aging where seniors and other community members are welcome to show their work. Mary continues to plan these shows a year in advance with a group of other dedicated volunteers.
For more information about the exhibition and artist reception, visit marionartcenter.org. During the reception, we will also celebrate the musicians from the Buzzards Bay Musicfest, and guests are encouraged to attend the BBMF Swing Band Concert starting at 8:00 pm at the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy at 235 Front Street in Marion.