My Background

I've always loved creating art, even as a child.  Art was one of my high school majors, then I went on to graduate from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Commercial Design. During my working years I designed graphics, toys, and packaging for Macy's, Lever Brothers, Milton Bradley, and many other corporations.  I even had my own design line of children's wear.  But throughout those years I created art as well, in many mediums.  I continue to use my maiden name, Marra, as my artist/designer signature.

My husband and I recently completed a non-fiction narrative that is available as a paperback or eBook from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. It describes how I met my husband in Asia on an elevator during 1984. I was in Taipei overseeing the development and production of a design project I had created. The book is much more than a romance story. It details how unplanned events can push your life in very positive directions.

During the past 20 years I have been teaching art to both children and adults.  My classes cover drawing, acrylic painting, design, abstraction, pastels, and watercolor. I continue to work with young students on drawing, design, and water color techniques.

 I've now retired from commercial work and live near Charlotte, NC, but continue teaching and creating.  This web site describes and illustrates some of my work, including paintings, mosaics, water colors, constructions, mixed media, and sketches made during vacation travels.