About the Artist:  Marji Raymond, Painter For Life

Marji Raymond’s favorite phrase when painting with the group of artists on Tuesday afternoons in Corning is “Don’t be afraid of color!”.

Raymond was born to American parents in Guatemala and raised in the Dominican Republic and Mexico before moving to the United States when she was a teenager.

Growing up bilingual and exposed to a rich tapestry of cultures, she says, “Growing up in Central America with all the vibrant colors and experiences has inspired and broadened all phases of my art.”

She studied biology and music in college, raised a family and worked as a piano tuner for 25 years before having to stop because of tinnitus, a ringing in the ears.

Raymond started doing art in 1997 after a friend suggested she take a watercolor class.  “It as become an obsession,” says Raymond of her watercolor painting.

Her paintings have won a variety of awards, including two from juried shows hosted by the North Valley Art League, a North Light Book Club $1,500 merchandise award and one from the Chico Art Center National Juried Show.  Her work has also sold in Europe.

When asked why she donated one of her favorite paintings to Second Chance she said, “Whether painting floras or animals, it’s my awareness and appreciation for life that keeps my brush dancing on paper!"