With immeasurable gratitude, Williston bids farewell to long-time art teacher and Grubbs Gallery director Marcia Reed. After thirty-five years at Williston, Marcia is moving from her long-time home Easthampton to Delaware. Included in this new chapter: her own art gallery, showcasing her work as well as the work of other artists from the Pioneer Valley.

While at Williston, Marica helped establish Williston’s fine arts program while teaching hundreds of Williston students. Reed attributes her long tenure at Williston to “the energy of the young people here and the close-knit, supportive and artistic Easthampton community.” As a teacher, she has helped her students grow as people and as artists. In past years, she has even taken students to paint in
Antigua, Bonaire, Greece and Italy as well as to study art in France, England, Holland and Belgium. She describes these adventures as incredibly rewarding for all.

James Mao ‘12, who will be attending Parsons Art Institute this fall, said of Marcia, “She is one of the kindest people I have met in my life. I appreciate the patience and effort that she has contributed supervising me as a student. Every bit of assistance has inspired me greatly.” Tiffany Lee 11’ remembers going to Marcia’s classes with excitement. “Marcia was always generous in leaving kind, encouraging words and compliments which motivated me to keep trying. I couldn’t finish many of my pieces without her affirmative smile and belief in me.”

Marica reports that she is excited “to reinvent myself.” Managing an art gallery has been a major goal of hers since she was young and now is the time to paint this dream into a reality. Williston wishes her the best, knowing that she will find fresh colors and artistic inspiration on her new journey.