WH Artist Hasn't Let Parkinson's Stop Her Creativity

WEST HARTFORD, CT — In an appropriately titled exhibit, the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is hosting an exhibit featuring a local artist whose overcome more than her fair share of obstacles.

Called "Persistence," the special exhibit consists of water color paintings and other art forms by Mary Smeallie, who excels in her artistic endeavors despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 10 years ago.

According to the museum's website, Smeallie said her art has actually helped, not impeded her desire to create.

"Over time, I slowly lost strength, dexterity, and precision in my right hand. Not being a quitter by nature, I mostly feared losing my artistic ability. Art had always served as the glue that held me together. It was my identity. I was familiar with health struggles of famous artists through teaching. From Frida Kahlo, and Henri Matisse to the ever suffering Van Gogh, and the more modern Chuck Close; the arts possess healing powers," she said.

"I unconsciously started to utilize my left hand. I now paint and create using my left hand exclusively. I persisted. I had persisted in finding the physical, emotional, and social support that I needed."

In addition to watercolors, the 'Persistence' exhibit also features some of Smeallie's work in "scherenschnittes," which is a German art form comprised of cutting paper into various designs.

According to the museum, Smeallie is a certified teacher, but has had a broad and diverse career ranging from advertising illustrator, cartographer to "creator of Portrait Dolls."

The exhibit opened Nov. 17 and continues at the museum through Dec. 31.

The Noah Webster House museum is located at 227 S. Main St., West Hartford, and it can be reached by calling 860-521-5362.

For more information on the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society's 'Persistence' exhibit, click on this link.