LEWISTOWN -The works of a former local teacher will be among the artwork featured at the Art Along the Juniata Exhibit at Ohesson, which opens with a reception at 2 p.m. on May 9 and runs until the end of May.
In addition to the works of new and returning artists, the exhibit will feature the works of Marti Wysocki, a respected artist, teacher and community leader from Lewistown. After being stricken by an illness last year, Wysocki is recovering in a care facility near York.
"Marti's contributions to our area in the arts, garden club, students and community have been filled with a hopeful spark that is wonderfully unique," Karen Sigler, exhibit organizer, said.
"Her joyful presence has been missed by all who know and love her, and we are hoping to give all this opportunity to honor Marti's life and work."
Sonya Wysocki, the artist's daughter, offered a little background information.
Her mother was born in Butler and taught herself to draw at an early age. After high school, Marti received her degree in art education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed graduate classes at Penn State University.
Marti educated students of all ages during her 30-year career. She first taught at Burgettstown High School in Washington County. She then taught at Burnham, Derry and Strodes Mills elementary schools, Strodes Mills Middle School and Lewistown Area High School.
In the late 1970s, Marti painted a large mural in the Mifflin County Library to lead people to the new Children's Library in the lower level.
She later organized her students at Strodes Mills Middle School in the creation of two murals to decorate the main entrance and cafeteria of the school.
Her students' works were frequently accepted into the Scholastic Art Exhibit in Harrisburg. She also took great pride in exhibiting their art at the annual Mifflin County Arts Festival, her daughter said.
"Marti explored a wide range of media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, graphite, pastels, ceramic and collage. She hunted through magazines and books to find new inspiration for both her students and herself," Sonya said.
She also was a member of the State College Weaver's Guild and sewed a great deal of clothing for her two daughters.
"Her flourishing gardens acted as another canvas. As part of the Garden Club, Marti put her creative talents to work in planning and maintaining the plantings at St. John's Lutheran Church and the Mifflin County Library," Sonya said.
"She was frequently recognized for her beautiful Christmas door decorations and flower arrangements. The subject matter and the organic lines present in much of her work reflect her passion for nature. Shapes, shadows and edges curve and move around each other," Sonya said.
Recovering from an aortic dissection in 2008 has interrupted Wysocki's work for several months, Sonya said. Her mother currently resides at Autumn House in York, and continues to draw and enjoy the outdoors.
