2019 NAN Lifetime Achievement Awardee

An avid reader from childhood, this lover of literature chose as her heroes writers who carried her to wondrous places and periods – and that is the platform that launched a career as teacher and avocation as textile and bead artist and as traveler. Retirement from academia meant freedom to turn those avocations into full time experiences creating original beadwork, teaching it, and serving as a volunteer administrator in varied capacities for The Embroiderers’ Guild of America. She held the role of EGA President, then turned to the Extended Study Program chairmanship – a significant award in itself, providing worldwide learning experiences in the myriad disciplines open to embroiderers. Why not plan sessions in sites or on tours one wants to experience with teachers and artists one might otherwise never experience?

Marie taught for thirty years in pubic schools, then in colleges, concentrating on American literature and culture, women’s studies and teacher training. She served the local EGA chapter and the Mid-Atlantic Region in a variety of tasks. A Master Craftsman in Canvaswork was awarded in 1985, and Marie has been a student of Japanese embroidery for 25 years. Beadwork began in 1990. Her current beadwork focuses on contemporary geometric work in sculptural and wearable art.  She has taught beading at local, regional, and national seminars, and has exhibited her work nationally, receiving numerous awards.  Marie’s beadwork was featured in the “Designer Across America” series in EGA’s NeedleArts in March 2012. A member of Fiber Forum, she has traveled in Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, and China, always focusing on beading and needleart.