The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibition of paintings by Charles Parsons and prints and drawings by Mark C. Parsons that will run from October 4 to November 14. An opening reception hosted by the Marion Art Center will be held on Saturday, October 4 at the Marion Art Center from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both the Cecil Clark Davis Gallery and the Patsy Francis Gallery will be filled with watercolors and oils by Charles Parsons and prints and drawings by his son, Mark Parsons.
Charles C. Parsons or “Charlie” as he was known by everyone, passed away in 2011. He was a long-time patron of the Marion Art Center, as well as a faithful member of the Board of Directors and he was a teacher, mentor and friend to a large circle of local painters. His personal presence is very much missed by all, but his paintings remain a source of inspiration and beauty for everyone who sees them. Charlie exhibited many times in the galleries of the Marion Art Center, taught workshops, and regularly encouraged fellow Art Center member artists to continue growing as artists. His wife, Sandria Parsons says, “Charlie sketched everywhere he went – waiting for lunch at a diner, from the deck of Kittiwake, at town meeting, before boarding a plane. He primarily sketched the figure – his children and grandchildren, unknowing strangers – disciplining himself to make two-minute sketches or to draw with a single line never taking his eyes off his subject.”
The Marion Art Center is honored to host this exhibition of Charlie’s paintings and to introduce his son Mark’s prints and drawings to this community.
The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.