Marian Marches On

Posted by: Reveille Kennedy

At 103 years old, Marian Busey may be the oldest living working artist in Colorado or maybe the US.

On March 24, 2015, Marian Busey celebrates her 103 birthday. Her show runs from March 1 - Mar 28, 2015.
If I could use one word to describe Marian, it would be intrepid. Marian has never feared working hard. When Marian joined Arati Gallery in 1987, she climbed ladders, made shelving, climbed mountains with her husband Jim, and made decisions for the gallery that we still use today. Her printmaking days are not over, as one would think. Marian uses a hand formed gelatin plate to print her work on. The gelatin plate is about 9” x 12 “ x 2” in size. The plate is easy to manipulate to make several layers of color on paper or any other surface. The plat can be easily pressed because the surface has a slight give to it like a gummy bear. You can see her process on you tube being interviewed by Carrie Saldo of Arts District, RMPBS "Arts District: Marian Busey" She is also featured on you tube Gelatin Platemaking Part I with Marian Buseym4v and Gelatin Printing II with Marian Busey. They are composed by Timothy Carpenter.

Marian was an only child who loved painting, drawing and quotes.

Marian is an experienced teacher and still teaches, works and shows her work at Arati Gallery, making sure she puts in as many hours as everyone else in this cooperative group of 20. Arati artists are well known for awesome wall art, as well as carved wood, alabaster, metal sculptures, jewelry, pottery, glass and greeting cards. Each professional artist is juried for their particular skills. Arati Gallery has been in the same location for 38 years.

Because of macular degeneration, people wonder how Marian can be so creative when her eyesight is so poor. She can see a tiny bit from the sides of her eyes, so that is what she uses. She climbs stars, exercises, cleans her own house, listens to books on tapes, uses a computer with giant letters, and makes her own meals. She also walks to the beauty parlor 2 blocks away from her home.

I can never tire of telling about this inspirational woman with her positive attitude.

Come and celebrate with Marian on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Arati Gallery, 2425 W. Colorado Ave. at 1:00 pm. Marian will be featured. You can enjoy some celebration cake with her and receive a hand signed memento.