Artist Stephen Marc
Stephen Marc is one of the most fascinating artists that I have the privilege of knowing. His work is brilliant and illuminating story telling, prompting the viewer to insist on learning more about one of the most important times in the history of the United States. Prior to meeting Stephen and seeing his work my understanding of the Underground Railroad was wrapped around the singular story of Harriet Tubman and Auburn New York. I like most people knew that there was more to the story and until my first conversation with Stephen I had no idea how much of this history I did not know or understand.
One of the many things I find to be so wonderful about Stephen is his accessibility and ease in conversation. He is not only a visual storyteller, he has the unique ability to bring his photography alive in conversation and stories about his travels to each community, what he learned both about the past and the present. About the people he got to meet and their personal stories and what they can recall about their families histories. About discovering new safe houses, the names of railroad conductors, and American heroes whose names were forgotten or overlooked
“Ellicott City 2009” by Stephen Marc
His passion for storytelling is so intimate and detailed with incredible artifacts, letters, photographs and paintings that it awakens our soul and has us give thanks.
Stephen Marc: Passage on the Underground Railroad, organized by the University at Buffalo Art Galleries, Buffalo, New York is currently on exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum until September 23, 2012: Stephen is scheduled to speak at the museum on September 5th 2012,
