Ambitious journey through America’s natural wonders
It’s a painting, it’s a book, it’s pure inspiration! Mary Fassbinder set an ambitious goal to visit and paint plein air landscapes in each of the 63 U.S. national parks. She traveled over 78,000 miles in four years, meeting people, bears, and more. “My intention was to inspire whoever I met,” Fassbinder said. “In turn, I inspired myself and tapped into ever-expanding creativity.”
Inspiration was built into her formative years, part of a large family with 12 siblings. “I recall my father waking us up in the middle of the night to see the stars,” said Fassbinder.
Serendipity played a large role in her project. Her two nephews had connections that helped with logistics and support for the Alaska leg of her journey, including adventure outfitters, and the Alaska Firefighters group, which provided a base camp, truck, and food.
Her 63 oil paintings were exhibited at Petaluma Arts Center in 2019. Then, the pandemic became the perfect time to write a book about her experiences, laced with family memories inspired by each park.
The book resides in a binder, a chapter and image for each park. The audience is broad: artists, plein air painters, women, travelers, park lovers. People all over the world visit parks, so another dream is to exhibit the project at an airport. She is seeking an agent and publisher. If you have contacts to join the serendipity, reach Fassbinder at fassbindergallery.com.
“It is a gift to be put on this Earth, and I have one chance to be Mary Fassbinder,” she said.
Art connects us: Youth show exhibit at PAC
Thirty-one public and private Petaluma schools showcase the talent of over 70 artists from kindergarten through 12th grade, and it is a testament to the dedication provided by local art teachers and instructors. Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville St., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Lyndi Brown is a Petaluma / Penngrove community volunteer. She was named Good Egg 2016 by Petaluma Downtown Association. She is an honorary Rear Admiral in the Petaluma Navy (not military: it’s an honorary title for promoting the City as a tourist destination. Active with Penngrove Social Firemen and Village Network of Petaluma, she needs a vacation. Email Lyndi at lyndibrown@sonic.net