Celebrating 60 years of art by Mary Ross

MARION – 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. 

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, Ross worked as the Art Director for Boston Parks and Recreation Department, where she taught art classes to adults and children alike. Ross 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. Ross continues to plan these shows a year in advance with a group of other dedicated volunteers.

For more information about the exhibition, visit marionartcenter.org.