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My interest in art began after leaving my career in International Banking to raise my family. (In the 1980’s). I received a set of oil paints as a birthday gift from  my husband. After playing with them I instantly knew that I wanted this creative outlet in my life. I began to take adult education classes in painting and drawing and I met Bucks County Artist Ellen Hall who encouraged me in a safe environment. I consider Ellen my mentor, but I can’t be so selfish because she has nutured the creative seed in many, many artists of all ages. I also enrolled at Montgomery County Community College for my Fine Arts Degree. I graduated with my Associates in Fine Arts May of 2012 at the age of 56.
My paintings are colorful and varied. I enjoy using different mediums and surfaces according to my moods. I paint in all media: oil, pastels, watercolor, printmaking, encaustics, acrylics.  My inspiration comes from many directions: Nature, animals, gardens, people, local scenes and memories of my travels. Painting is my way of honoring and remembering the beauty of what I see.
From Sept 2016-2023 I was an active member of The Art Center At Ambler, volunteering with exhibitions and social media.  Previously I have served on the Board Of Directors as the Treasurer of The Manayunk Roxborough Art Center for 2 years and also helped with publicity there.  Myself and another member Pauline Braun, started a gift shop at the center.  This allowed member artists another venue to sell their art related products besides their original paintings.
Other memberships included The Ivyland Art Group, Ivyland, Pa, The Oreland Art Center where I exhibit in their art shows and help with their exhibitions and The Upstairs Gallery, Lahaska, Pa where I served on their board as publicity chairperson.
Some of the classes I have taught are: Introduction to Painting & Drawing to Adults, Pastel Workshops and Intro to Linocuts (printmaking), also etegami workshops.
Painting pARty classes at The Craft Boutique, Chalfont, Pa., Oreland Art Center and North Penn Art Frame Shop. (Since March 2014)through 2020. Watercolor and Beyond at The Craft Boutique, Chalfont, Pa  6 week class. Winter 2022.
In 2013 my photograph of Boathouse Row, Philadelphia was chosen by Drexel University to be enlarged 30 ft x 3 feet to be installed in the crew workout room.
In September of 2014 I volunteered as an Art Mentor for The non profit Expressive Path.  Their mission is to bring the arts to youth that may not have access to it. I volunteered at The Montgomery County Youth Shelter, Norristown, Pa.  I did an acrylic abstract painting workshop with the children.
In 2018 I Co-founded The Open Sky Plein Air Painters. A small group that paints outside on location in nice weather.
In 2023 my art was chosen to be used as a backdrop in a movie called; “Hide” by Director Ben Samuels. Proceeds from the movie have been donated to Women’s shelters agains domestic violence.
Here are places where my work has been exhibited:
Ivyland Art Group (annual holiday shows, peach festivals, garden art tour)
Oreland Art Group (annual Members show at The Highlands, Mather Mill (juried),
The Wissahickon Library group show,
Center on The Hill,
Horsham Library,
Dresher Estates.
The Phila. Sketch Club (juried)
The Ferry House (Lambertville and Princeton, NJ)
Artists Cultural Show at Elkins Park Library (juried)
Wagner Museum
Ambler Main Street art show at Artman.
Milestones Gift Shop and Gallery, Ft. Washington, Pa
Montgomery County Community College, student exhibitions,  Art Faculty and Invited Alumni Art Shows.most recently Feb 2017.
Sacred Mountain Art Show, Jim Thorpe, Pa (juried)
Tinicum Arts Festival
Memaid Art Studio, Ambler, Pa
Bucks County Art Auction benefiting Pearl S. Buck International (juried)
Buckingham Frame Shop and Gallery, Buckingham, Pa
The Ambler Grille, Ambler, Pa
The Upstairs Gallery, Peddlers Village, Lahaska, Pa
Long & Foster Real Estate Office, Blue Bell, Pa
Arbor Meadow Farm, Horsham, Pa
Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast, Flemington, Nj
Manayunk Roxborough Art Center, Philadelphia, Pa (featured artist November 2007), Juried show July 2012/
Saxby’s Coffee, Main Street, Manayunk
Maria’s Ristorante on Summit, Ridge Ave, Phila
Picture Framing Galley, Flourtown, Pa (artist of the month July 2009 and June 2011) .
Orbit Gallery, Main Street, Manayunk.
Pure Spa, Ambler, Pa
Arnica & Ivy Day Spa, Flourtown, Pa
Art In The Storefront, Main Street, Manayunk Feb 2010. (featured artist)
Art In The Storefront, Ambler, Pa  July-Sept 2011. (2 woman show)
Rox/Art, Phila., Pa (2011 Rox/Art Stroll) (2012 Silent Auction)
The Fresh Ground Coffee House, Willow Grove, Pa (2 person show)
The Painted Bride Art Center, Phila, Pa (juried) The Art of The Clothesline.
The Old Mill, Hatboro, Pa (March 2015)
Upper Dublin Township Building (2 person show) July 2016
 The Art Center at Ambler. (Juried)
Doylestown Hospital Art Walk Nov 2017 through March 2018.
Center On The Hill, Chestnut Hill, Pa
Pearl S Buck Festival Of Trees December 2019 (Juried)
The Craft Boutique at Moyer Farmhouse, Chalfont, PA (Juried)
Capricorn Book Shop, Jenkintown, Pa 2022-2023.
Light Space & Time on line art gallery. April 2023. (Special recognition award, juried)
3 Person Exhibit at The Whitemarsh Learning Center from Sept thru Nov 2023 (juried)
Montgomery County Community College (GNAL Anniversary Show) May 2023. (juried)
Montgomery County Community College (Invited Alumni Show) 2024.
Solo Exhibitions:
Rydal Park Retirement Home, February 2003.
The Free Library Of Springfield Township, Wyndmoor, Pa August 2003
Springfield Residence, Wyndmoor, Pa, yearly since Feb 2005
Wyndmoor Rehabilitation Hospital, Wyndmoor, Pa, yearly since March 2005
Manayunk RoxboroughArt Center, Phila., Pa (featured Artist November 2007)
Love Park Visitors Center, Phila, Pa Jan 31, 2013 to March 28, 2013.
Upper Dublin Township Building (Art Center At Ambler) December 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
Abington Hospital, Lansdale, Pa. Summer 2015
Spring Mill Pointe, Lafayette Hill, Pa Oct 2020. July & Aug 2022.
Wissahickon Library, Blue Bell, Pa May 2023.
Upper Dublin Library August 2023
Mother And Son Art Exhibit Upper Dublin Library August 2024.
Gallery Affiliations:
The Craft Boutique, Chalfont, Pa 2016-current.
The Art Center At Ambler, Ambler, Pa (volunteer, Social Media). Sept 2016 to 2023
The Upstairs Gallery, Peddlers Village, Lahaska, Pa (August 2003-August 2005)
Board Member – Publicity and Hanging committee
Manayunk Roxborough Art Center – co-operative Gallery, Phila., Pa July 2007-2009
Board Member-Treasurer, Publicity committee, Gift Shop Committee
Awards/Degrees:
Associates in Fine Art from Montgomery County Community College May 2012, Deans List, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kapa.
Honorable Mention-Printmaking
Montgomery County Community College
Student Art Show April 2004
“Country Store” Drypoint etching
First Place – Printmaking
Montgomery County Community College
Student Art Show April 2005
“London Sky” Etching
Second Place-Sculpture
Montgomery County Community College
Student Art Show April 2009
“Forest Life” Wood Assemblage
Third Place-Printmaking
Montgomery County Community College
Student Art Show April 2012
“Maritaville” Collagraph
First Prize-Graphic Art
Manayunk Roxborough Art Center Juried show July 2012
“Maritaville” Collagraph
Ladies Group International Award for Etegami
awarded by Fukushima Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Business Women’s Club, Fukushima, Japan – July 2017, and July 2018.
First Place Award: Jim Purcell Peoples Choice for “Single Red Rose” oil on canvas, March 2021
Second Place award: Jim Purcell Peoples Choice for “Main Street USA” oil on canvas, October 2021.
Special Recognition award: Light Space & Time On Line Gallery abstract juried show. April 2023.
“Life Layers” Mixed media
Special Recognition Award: Light Space & Time On line gallery Abstract juried show. April 2024.
“Lost In The Joy”  Mixed Media
Published:
2011-2012 Art & Literature Magazine (Montgomery County Community College)
“Scorpion” Linocut
Friends Of Hope Lodge Website: www.ushistory.org/hope “Musician” Photography
Philadelphia Stories Magazine (Artwork vol.5. Iss 4 Winter 2008-2009) “Along The Canal” oil painting.
Philadelphia Stories Magazine Spring 2010 Artwork “Wissahickon Winter”  oil painting.
July 2014; one of my original linocuts was purchased for set design on the HBO show “Girls”
2014 I designed a coloring book of therapy dogs for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Pet VIP Program.
In 2023 my art was chosen to be used as a backdrop in a movie called; “Hide” by Director Ben Samuels. Proceeds from the movie have been donated to Women’s shelters agains domestic violence.

ARTIST STATEMENT

 

Marita McVeigh

1748 Ludwell Dr.

Maple Glen, Pa 19002

email:  artistmarita@gmail.com

website: www.artworkbymarita.com

cell: 215-285-2620

 

I started making art as an adult. I was 30 years old when my creative spark was ignited. I have not stopped since.  My art has been described as joyful , colorful and whimsical.  When I am painting a happiness flows out of me on to the canvas.  My inspiration comes from many places but nature is in the forefront.  Flowers, landscapes, birds, animals of all kinds and special places show up in my work. Places that I have traveled to or local Philly scenes are among my favorites.  

 

I experiment with all art mediums. Oil painting, Pastels, Acrylic, Watercolor and Printmaking are the mediums I like to use most. Although I am really interested in learning and growing as an artist and do not limit myself to these mediums.  For me this is the best part of being an artist-always learning and experimenting; being creative with my thoughts. I am never at a loss for inspiration as it is all around me.