Mary McHugh Mayhew
Verre Eglomise Glass Art, 2018
Verre Eglomise is a reverse painting on glass technique that has been around since before the Romans, falling in and out of style; however, there has never before been a time where so many luminous materials can be combined in so many ways to create the vibrant intensity and depth that can now be achieved. Learning materials and their compatibility has been as fundamental to my art as sentence structure is to a writer. In that regard, I have been privileged to work with many conservationists, craftsmen, and artists who have shared their knowledge with me, and for that, I am very grateful. Since I was first presented with the challenge of restoring an eglomise panel from a Federal Neoclassical mirror I have been enamored by the translucent depth that glass brings to art. Starting in 2016, I decided to use all the knowledge and experience I had about glass painting to create works that combined pop art expressionism with abstract impressionism. I wanted the works to vibrate with intensity of color and rhythm of pattern to express the joy and challenge of being alive on our incredibly amazing and beautiful planet. Art Nouveau masters like Clement Massier with his use of iridescent pigments and the composition of the Daum Brothers have inspired me, along with Peter Max’s bold pop art palette that he infuses with oriental composition. The abundance of natural beauty and art that surrounds us every day continues to inspire me and I can only hope that you enjoy the glass art as much as I enjoy creating it.
Artist Bio: Mary McHugh Mayhew
Publications, Awards, Galleries:
• 1984 thru present: Commissioned work for private clients from New England thru North Carolina, mainly in Washington D.C. and Maryland area, please go to www.marymayhew.com and browse through tabs for photos of work.
• The Schuler School of Fine Arts, Fur to Feathers Show, 2017, 2nd Place, Cecil 2015
• 2 Sisters Gallery, 2017
• Monkton Gallery, 2005-2009
• Southern Accents Magazine, February 1998, Article: A Colorful Past; Pompeian Painting, Oil painting
• Baltimore Magazine, February 1993, Homing Instinct, Oil painting
• Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, fall 1990, Article; The Element of Surprise,
Trompe l’oeil, Oil.
• Cover of Maryland Living Magazine, January 28, 1990, Overview of work.
• Baltimore Sun Magazine, July 9 1989, By Design, Overview of work.
• Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore’s Best Issue, Baltimore’s Best Master of Illusion, 1988
• New York Times Sunday Issue, April, 1987, Article: The National Museum for Women in the Arts; Decorative painting by Mary McHugh & Associates
• Home & Garden Magazine, October 11, 1986.
• Southern Accents Magazine, June 1988, The Baer Necessity, Abstract Acrylic.
Professional Experience:
• Nelson & Company: Antique Restoration, 1978 to 1983.
• Jeffrey Lemmer: Conservator of Paintings at Baltimore Museum of Art, part-time apprentice 1979 to 1980.
• J. W. Berry & Sons: Antique Restoration for Baltimore Historical Society, Baltimore Museum of Art and private clients.
• Valley Craftsmen, LTD: Artist & supervisor, 1983 to 1984.
• Self-employed: Mary McHugh & Associates, Inc., 1984 to present—business has changed to an LLC.
• Friday morning art instructor, Edward Myerberg Center, 2016-present.
Education:
• Maryland Institute College of Art, 1976-1978
• Morgan State University, 1975-1976
• University of Maryland, 1974-1975
Volunteer Work:
• Karma Yoga Instructor: 2018
• Zimbabwe Conservation Taskforce, Endangered Species Fundraiser, Painting, 2015
• Meals on Wheels, Poster, 2015
• St. Pius X School, 1997-1999, fundraisers, theater props.
• PTA Historian and fundraiser, 1996-2006
• Fallston High School and Middle School, creating backdrops, props, teaching and supervising students for theater productions, 2003-2009
• Soccer Coach: 1998-1999