I have a quote from Marjorie… from Maggy Pavlou

Here is something I would like to say to someone I will never forget.

I have a quote from Marjorie that I use a lot and which truly represents a real artist’s attitude.  It goes like this “the refrigerator needs fixing, the pantry is empty, but there is so much art to buy.” She always choose to buy art.

I always refer to her quote whenever art buying comes up, or whenever an artist frets or a buyer hesitates.

Happy Birthday to a true artist.  Maybe she will remember me (Maggy used to run Gallery 198 in Three Rivers several years ago, and now lives in New Mexico.)

Maggy wearing her fiber art.

Marjorie’s energy, art, the way she lives her life, inspires… from Shirley Keller

I met Marjorie though Marn Reich.

I found out Marjorie used to lived in Three Rivers in a home of some gentlemen I had just met. She asked me if they might let her see the place, which she and her husband had loved. She walked into the living room and teared up, touching the fire place. “I built this,” she sighed.

The decor was very much 1950’s and she eagerly showed the gentlemen photos of the room, not much different, in some cases exactly the same. Downstairs she described the 1955 flood, sand filling up the rooms taller than she was then. The house survived and now was obviously thriving. Marjorie was thrilled. It was a moving experience for all.

Marjorie’s energy, art, the way she lives her life, inspires and I feel very lucky to be an acquaintance.

© Shirley Keller

“Renaissance woman” by Deolinda Rhoads

Marjorie Brandon Exhibition

September 21-November 21, 2009
Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust Street, Visalia
Reception 12-3 pm Sunday, September 27 (note date error in newspaper)
Call 625-2441 for more information.

from article in Visalia Times Delta in Choices September 25, 2009

“Maybe that’s why she stays so young — there’s never a dull moment with Marjorie. It is mesmerizing to be around her. She is always a bright spirit, full of joy, always with that twinkle in her eyes.” — Deolinda

Yes, Marjorie Brandon is the same Brandon for whom the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is partially named. The gallery was originally opened to honor the memory of an incredible artist, Judy Mitchell, who had passed away suddenly in 2003. The Board of Trustees unanimously decided also to honor a living artist, Marjorie, who is still creating art six years later.

She is being celebrated once again for her astonishing, high-energy right brain, which keeps producing the marvelous, unmistakable essense of Marjorie.

Where do I begin to desribe and define this Renaissance woman?  She has been recognized for her art, poetry, private art instruction and her many roles in a variety of arts organizations, some of which she helped create. She has served on many boards, including Visalia Arts Consortium, Arts Council, AAUW and others.

For the few of you who aren’t familiar with Marjorie Brandon, let’s get you acquainted.  Marjorie was born Sept. 26, 1912 (yes, she turns 97 on Saturday), in Los Angeles, the oldest and only girl with three brothers. She graduated from Inglewood High School and Fresno State College and taught in Tulare County schools for 25 years, retiring in 1970.

Brandon has traveled the world, studying art in Yugoslavia, Greece, England, Israel, Italy, Turkey, France and Japan. While in France, she was very much impressed and inspired by the collages in the hotel she stayed in. When she returned home, she produced three collages that now hang above her sofa.

She has studied with Musselman, Abby Rubinstein, Jules Rubinstein and various teachers at College of the Sequoias and Fresno State. Her greatest inspiration has come from Ignacio Diaz, Charlotte Mollan and Sabin Gray. She has conducted workshops in Porterville, Exeter, Three Rivers and Visalia and currently will teach when asked.

Her poetry and art reflect Marjorie’s living philosophy, her being: Getting to the essence, while embracing all.

When I asked her what made her such a free spirit, her response was pure Marjorie.  “Am I a free spirit? I am open to everything because I don’t want to miss out on anything,” she said. “It’s my chance to learn, grow and change.”

This is so true. Last week when I hung the show, Marjorie was right there, assisting me. We were at it all day, and then she attended a concert with me, never complaining about being tired; she had just as much energy as she did at lunch. Maybe that’s why she stays so young — there’s never a dull moment with Marjorie. It is mesmerizing to be around her. She is always a bright spirit, full of joy, always with that twinkle in her eyes.

Deolinda is a member of the Visalia Arts Consortium.

Marjorie and her work…photos from Ginny Dederich

Her energy and her smile… from Elena Broslovsky

Marjorie beams, she glows.  Her energy and her smile.  Always always always happy and positive and excited like a child about whoever she is with or the next activity on her plate.  Her En theos has touched many people I know and probably hundreds more I don’t.  How could you not want to sing a song or dance a jig in the presence of such a beautiful joyful spirit? You GO girl.

Elena’s Harmony Hill

Marjorie is a world treasure… from Marn Reich

Marjorie is a world treasure and we’re lucky to have captured her in little Tulare County.  Her family keeps trying to steal her from us, but so far she’s resisted.

Marjorie is an adored friend to many people, who fight for the privilege of doing things for her.  When she decided to stop driving she simply said that she would go anywhere anyone offered to take her.  I know she went to some movies twice, simply because she was invited.

And Marjorie is a wonderful artist and teacher. Those of us lucky enough to have a piece of her art, will treasure it always.  We love you Marjorie.

© Marn Reich

Collage–just a breeze… from Elsah Cort

Marjorie has a secret for making beautiful abstract collages, and none of us knows exactly how she does it.  She has taught some wonderful collage classes in the past.  One of these workshops particularly comes to my mind.

It happened about 18 years ago (back in the days when I co-owned Cort Gallery.)  Marjorie came to teach a collage workshop in the back courtyard under the blue sky.  Tables were set up and there was quite a few of us having great fun.  Marjorie had brought many of her beautiful paper samples and scraps.  We were tearing pieces and pasting, as Marjorie walked around giving us personal attention and great tips.

Suddenly a strong breeze showed up and all the air was filling with paper scraps.  We were all a scramble trying to pin down our collages!  What a lesson to learn: create collage indoors or let the breeze help you create!

© Elsah Cort

Her love for life is contagious… from Sherley Tucker

I met this little package of dynamite about 20 years ago at church.  I was new there and feeling ‘way uncomfortable.  She took me in as a dear friend and invited me to her soiree the next week.  Her love for life is contagious and I fell in love with HER immediately.  She is just as dear at 97 as she was at 77.

Marjorie has asked me to cancel my planned vacation to Italy so I could attend this large celebration, but please tell her I’ll look forward to an even greater one next year.  Caio!

© Sherley Tucker

Her courageous and joyful spirit… from Mona Selph

We all know what beautiful art Marjorie creates. I am just always amazed most at her courageous and joyful spirit. She loves life and people to such a degree that she doesn’t want to miss anything!

I remember the last Three Rivers Studio Tour (I think), she got a younger male friend to bring her, she said in case she needed someone strong enough to carry her up the stairs. Years before that, she was at Arts Visalia for a reception and had to walk part of the way, but she was determined to go.

One can tell that she is full of creativity and abounding joy, and it is contagious. It spreads to everyone when she enters the room. No wonder everyone I have ever met who knows her, loves Marjorie!

© Mona Selph

Happy 97th birthday Marjorie! from Abby Rubinstein

I first met Marjorie in 1976. My late husband and I had recently arrived in Visalia. Having been out of the country for almost 11 years, we were a bit confused, and suffering some re-entry shock.

Marjorie visited us with Charlotte Moulin as representatives of the Tulare County Art League. Charlotte busily investigated the inventory of paintings we had brought with us, while Marjorie warmly welcomed us with open arms. Her smile and open arms made all the difference for us as we gradually entered the community.

We began to teach and Marjorie became one of our first art students. She also became one of our closest friends. I applaud her success and I applaud her Life! Happy 97th birthday Marjorie!

© Abby Rubinstein