My Sister’s Gallery Presents: “Here, There and Everywhere” by Mary Ann Sawyer-Wade

Art has always been an essential aspect of my life. I earned a BA in psychology from SUNY Fredonia, taking several electives in art and art history. I combined my interest in clay and architecture in ceramics classes by designing and constructing miniature clay houses. Later, as a mom, I designed and sewed quilts for my children with appliques of their favorite things. After raising my family with my husband, Jack, and tutoring elementary and middle school students, I was lucky to be able to pursue painting full-time. For 20 years, I have exhibited my work at numerous juried art festivals in and around Rochester and Buffalo.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted art shows for a few years, giving me more time to paint. I focused on transparent watercolor because I love its freshness, clarity, and brilliance. I am an avid member of the Western New York Watercolor Society. Each of my works is a learning experience. Sometimes, mistakes, including blending colors, can produce unexpectedly pleasing results. It is an enjoyable but sometimes humbling process, never knowing how a painting will turn out. I may have a preconceived idea of what I am going for, but I strive to be flexible and open to changing the path if I see it going in a different direction.

A painting might be evocative of something very personal to an individual, a vacation, or someplace they have lived. Sometimes, I embed just a hint of a story that, hopefully, makes someone smile – I believe paintings should be joyful. Family is everything to me, and it greatly influences my art. Much of my inspiration comes from places we have traveled and hiked together. My eight grandchildren, emergent artists themselves, are my favorite subjects to capture.

To purchase artwork from My Sister’s Gallery at the Episcopal Church Home, please contact Diane Cotton, Gallery Coordinator at 585.546.8439 x3102 or cotton@EpiscopalSeniorLife.org.