Behind the Painting: An Artist’s Memoir by Mary Marquiss

Join local artist Mary Marquiss to discuss her new book, Behind the Painting: An Artist’s Memoir, in conversation with Heidi Berkman.

Behind every painting there is a story. In this intimate memoir, artist and author Mary Marquiss tells the personal stories that inspired ten of her paintings. Created across three decades, each work is in response to both the light side of life and the serious challenges she navigated, including divorce, family suicide, a stroke and cancer. Her art and stories are interwoven. They chart the course of a woman on the road to adventure and deeper self-discovery.

Behind the Painting shines a light on the artist’s process and is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, revealing how the deepest emotions can be forged into lasting beauty.

“Marquiss has crafted a one-of-a-kind collection that expertly captures both the light and the dark of the human experience. What an extraordinary gift for us all.” Cherie Kephart, award-winning author of A Few Minor Adjustments

Mary Marquiss has been an art teacher and artist for thirty years, and is the forthcoming author of Behind the Painting: An Artist’s Memoir. Through serious life challenges, including divorce, family suicide and cancer, Marquiss discovered a relationship with her art in the form of a circular language. If you have ever faced what felt like insurmountable life challenges, her stories and paintings will inspire you. With a degree in psychology, and both an artist and writer, the most provocative element to her paintings is their personal content.

Heidi Berkman is a creator, connector, and curator of good things. She loves bringing people together through beautifully crafted experiences that spark joy and connection. From Champagne soirées and stationery workshops to book launches and creative camps, Heidi believes life’s best moments are meant to be shared — thoughtfully, playfully, and with just the right touch of magic. Her background blends hospitality, retail, and nonprofit work, all stitched together by a lifelong love of creativity and community. Whether designing a cozy creative retreat or a sparkling celebration, she helps ideas take shape and memories take root. When not planning the next great gathering, you’ll find her with coffee in hand, knitting needles nearby, and a new idea already on the horizon.