Art and Inspirations: Artist Jessie Stuart Mackay ’63

09.30.2010

LONGMEADOW, Mass.—Bay Path College’s Artist-in-Residence Jessie Stuart Mackay ’63 will discuss her world travels, which inspire her art and have brought new meaning to her life and the lives of Tanzanian children, when she visits Bay Path College this October. The acclaimed artist will deliver two special lectures, which are free and open to the public and will be held in Breck Suite, Wright Hall on the Longmeadow Campus, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow.

An artist whose work can be found in Switzerland, England, Africa, and all over the United States, Mackay did not pursue painting seriously until she worked as a consultant for an automobile manufacturer in England. Daily, she witnessed the assembly-line workers hunched over their work, and she found the environment to be grim. Mackay discovered an outlet for her emotions by painting the scenes of the factory. On Tuesday, October 5, at 7 p.m., Mackay will present “Art and My Inspirations,” and share the stories behind her distinctive artwork.

Mackay will follow up her lecture, “Art and My Inspirations” with another presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. She will discuss her humanitarian efforts in Africa during her talk “Good Works in Tanzania.” Mackay travels the world to find inspiration for her paintings, and to share her love of art. Her passion found purpose in a Tanzanian village where the primary school children had never seen paint, easels, or paint brushes. Providing both art supplies and guidance for eight weeks, she taught art classes in the isolated village. A truly life-changing experience for Mackay, she now holds art shows to benefit the children of Tanzania. She’ll share her experiences, which have brought new meaning and joy to her life and the lives of the Tanzanian children.

Mackay will be on campus from Oct. 1 to 17. During her residency, she will give special lectures and offer personal workshops with Bay Path students, who wish to pursue their interests in art.