The Art of Mary Tennaro: Off the Edge

March 2 - April 26

"I can truly say that for most of my life I only wanted to be either a teacher or an artist. So majoring in English/Art History in college equipped me with the tools I needed to pursue both of my dreams. However, the road leading to artistic endeavors was sidelined for many years as I chose instead to marry, raise my three children, and become an English teacher. Eventually I was able to earn my MFA, attending graduate school at night, and I began creating large acrylic paintings that I turned out weekly and that covered all the walls in my house. Then before I knew it, the children were adults and it was time to retire from teaching and make a decision about leaving New Jersey and pursuing our “golden years” somewhere else.

We moved to Scituate MA more than 20 years ago but it took me almost that long to discover North River Arts Society and the world of pastel painting. It was definitely “love at first sight” and I have spent the last 5 years learning everything I could from my wonderful mentors, Donna Rossetti-Bailey and Ed Chesnowitch. It was Donna who whispered in my ear during one of my first pastel classes with her...”you see things differently from everyone else, so don’t listen to me but just keep on doing what you’re doing.” And it was Ed who shared the following poem by Christopher Logue, encouraging me to challenge myself and go in my own direction...to go OFF THE EDGE."

Please join the artist for a reception on Monday, March 4th from 5:30 to 7:30.