By Melissa Macker, The 567 Center for Renewal, Inc.

Many people love art from afar, but for some, that love drives them to work hard at creating great art. Macon-based artist Marianne Dunn is one person who has made art her life’s work. It was high school where she accidentally discovered that she had a talent for painting, and she never looked to pursue anything else after winning first and third place in the Palm Beach County Fair in Florida. After high school, she studied art first in New York City, but then came to Macon, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Wesleyan College and later settled down.

Dunn thoroughly enjoys painting landscapes, still lifes, and flowers—things that visually inspire her. She has traveled all over the world seeking this inspiration, including Europe, Thailand, and Nepal. Of all the countries she has visited, she feels the closest and most personal connection with Italy, and has made several visits there.

In addition to creating art, Dunn has also taught many artists herself. Dunn credits her inspiration to teach to her mentor,Ouida Canaday, whom she studied under while living in Atlanta. For aspiring artists, Dunn gives this advice: “It’s very hard work. You have to have the desire. It takes time, study, practice, and patience. But every minute is worth it if you are willing to work for it.”

Aspiring artists will soon have the opportunity to study under Marianne Dunn at The 567 Center for Renewal (a Knight Arts grantee) in Macon. Dunn will teach Introduction to Painting, a 6-week class for adults that starts June 17. In this class, Dunn will cover all the basics of painting for beginners. For more information about the class, visit The 567’s website.

“Shining Through” by Marianne Dunn