Join us for a gallery reception for Marion Clark Weathers, Threshold.   FREE ADMISSION.

The “THRESHOLD” exhibition is now open at the Mims Gallery in the Dunn Center at NC Wesleyan, March 7 – May 10, 2024.

Reception:
Thursday, March 21, 2024
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Welcome and Artist’s talk at 5:30 p.m.

Showing
March 7, 2024 – May 10, 2024

ABOUT MARION CLARK WEATHERS

Marion Clark Weathers has painted all her life. A graduate of the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, she has continued her art studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, masterclass workshops, and Barton College. She is currently studying with Jill Steenhuis, an American-born artist who lives in Aix-en-Provence, France, and author of “Art, Soul, and Destiny.”

“After the loss of my lifelong sweetheart in 2022, I began the work and process of redefining myself. “I have always envied the artists who could paint uninterrupted by life. Georgia O’Keeffe was married (to Alfred Stieglitz) but had no children. Mary Cassatt rejected the idea of being a wife and mother.” I treasure the wonderful life I’ve had as a wife and mother, but my children are now successful adults, and my sweetheart is gone. That part of life is ended. Maya Angelou says ‘of all the roads you can travel on, the journey back to finding yourself is the most magical one.’ This is the beginning of a new day.”

A ‘THRESHOLD’ is defined as the entrance into a new world, a new life. A point of departure or transition. That is where I am now.” she says. “I am taking Steenhuis’ advice to heart: ‘Remove the fear of failure; failing is part of taking risks. Ask for spiritual help. Trust. Intertwine yourself with Spiritual Guidance.’

As the artist has ‘crossed the threshold’ into her new attitude, the thirty-one new oil paintings and 14 adventurous watercolours in the exhibition show her new energy. “My expanded oil palette takes hours to mix ahead of taking it outdoors to paint, but it’s powerful, like ‘having all the keys on the piano ready to play” she says. “It is exciting to be along the Tar River Trail and paint the colors of brilliant leaves as they fall onto the surface of the water.” Her small watercolor kit has gone with her to Jazz concerts, author’s readings, and on her travels to places like Key West and the Highlands of NC. Each sketchbook painting is “in the moment”, capturing the authentic honesty required by having only a few moments to paint.

The artist’s most visible art may be the murals she designs in collaboration with local organizations. In Rocky Mount they can be seen at: Bryant T. Aldridge Rehab Center, Rocky Mount Nash-Edgecombe; Braswell Library, “Let’s Grow a Reader” Oak Tree and Acorn Children mural. – Carolinas Gateway Partnership, CSX & The Champion Train Mural, 2020 and the Grand Hotel mural, 2021. Right now, The Musicians Mural, featuring portraits of 6 music greats with ties to Rocky Mount, is being painted on a Main street building. She is visioning for additional murals with Downtown Renaissance, Inc. and one for Historic Hamilton.

WRAL’s Tarheel Traveler recently showcased the Train Mural as one of the largest murals in the state of North Carolina. She is an award-winning Signature Member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, a member of the Impressionist Painters Society, the National Association of Women Artists, and the Tar River Artists Collaborative. She created the artwork for over 50 international cities with MapEasy guidemaps in East Hampton, NY, and has illustrated several children’s books, including The Secret of Gum Swamp, and Where’s Zero?, set in rural North Carolina. In addition to traveling and painting in her studio and outdoors, she plays golf at Benvenue, sings in the Lakeside Choir, and volunteers her talents with a number of community organizations. She adds, “I have a note to myself: Paint. Trust. Today.” I read it every day.

For more information, contact Jan Volz, Gallery Art Curator at 252.985.5268 or jvolz@ncwu.edu and sign up for the email list at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.