We had the good fortune of connecting with MARGARET M. MCGUINNESS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MARGARET M., where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, USA., the sixth of twelve siblings in a strict Catholic household. We had to care for our younger siblings. I recall changing diapers, walking my younger siblings around the block so our mom could get dinner ready. I was not cooperative, as I had other ideas and goals. One of my early memories was the nun in first grade accused me of soiling my underpants, when it was the student sitting in front of me who left a puddle. From then on, Another memory was the nun shamed me in front of the class for a Valentine card I made, as she declared it was horrid! My mom and dad at times told me they didn’t understand me.

In HighSchool, I enjoyed my art classes. I was accepted as an artist, fellow students requesting I draw pictures for them In college, I majored in Art and Art History, at Wayne State University, making friends with people who accepted me, and hanging out with them at the Deli or the Bar. Some of these acquaintances are diehard friends today! living in what is now called “The Cass Corridor.” I was working rehabbing old homes after I graduated, where I worked and exhibited my art with my friends, whom are still great artists and friends, although we have all moved around since our halcyon days!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I realized my penchant for art began in Catholic grade school in Detroit, Michigan, circa 1960. Sister Agnesine saw me drawing and yelled “That’s the Devil’s work!” and tore it up. My classmates were lining up on the playground asking me to draw pictures for them. Wayne State University, in Detroit’s “Cass Corridor” in the 1970’s was perfect for me to continue my art. I was in shows, The Detroit Institute of Art was where I had Art History classes. My Major, Printmaking, and I felt on top of the world. I began working on rehabilitating Victorian homes not too far from Wayne State, and I studied to be a Licensed Builder, and I began a lucrative living restoring homes in Michigan and New Jersey. In late 1986, I was in treatment for my alcohol and drug abuse in GreekTown, Detroit, where fellow “inmates” asked me to draw them. My life turned around, I married and started a family, always journaling, drawing and writing about my son and daughter. I became an Art Therapist and worked with the elderly, incarcerated, and in State Hospitals, providing art sessions. I continue to create what I experience in the world, and have been utilizing collage as a way to express my journeys as I cruise this blue dot!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My itinerary would encompass traveling to Michigan’s Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie. As I sketch the landscapes and people. We would enjoy stopping at small eateries, enjoy tea and coffee rooms, and visit small galleries. We would enjoy talking with the locals, as they know the gossip. Small resale stores are the best as they have hidden treasures and the proprietors ha have the lowdown on exciting things to do.

Usually, while enjoying something to eat and drink, I would pull out my sketch book and begin drawing the trees, buildings and people around me, often passerby will ask to see what I’m sketching, opening an opportunity to engage with others.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Amelia Currier, James Stafford, Stephen Goodfellow, Edie Vandenabeele-Yee,

My brother, Kevin McGuinness and my sister, Kathleen Hodges

Instagram: [email protected]

Linkedin: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaret.m.mcguinness/

Image Credits
Erick Buchholz

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