Mary Lou McCollum
Art was my love as a child but it took a back seat for quite a few years as I worked and raised my son. I returned to art at the age of 41 and studied at North Seattle Community College, then moved to individual studies with various, active artists. My art life changed dramatically in 1999 when I took a nine-month Atelier program at Gage Academy, (formerly Seattle Academy of Fine Art) with Charles Emerson. With his guidance, my eyes were opened to art history and all the exciting works of past masters up to contemporary artists. I have been in a studio in Ballard, WA with three other painters since 2001 where my work has been developing and changing.
About the Artist
I was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1946. As one of 13 children, I grew up in a very busy household. Art at that time was a quiet haven that I sought out when time permitted. After high school I lived in Los Angeles, Colorado, New Mexico and traveled across the U.S. I moved back to Seattle in 1984 and have been here since.
