Marilyn MacGregor, Artist and Traveler

I am an Artist, Art Historian, Traveler and Teacher, with a love of exploring how we in this beautiful world connect through history, art, culture, cuisine and physical place. France has always been a great love, but I feel at home anywhere where I find that magical combination of art and history. I lived in Paris part-time for ten years, so have an insider's knowledge of Paris with all its secret corners and neighborhoods and am fluent in French. I've traveled widely in Europe, renting and exchanging houses, settling into the life and culture, observing closely, helped by my sketchbooks to see the nuances of every place. I've taught at high school, university and community levels and have been leading trips for many years. ArtSmartTravel, my small group arts tours for adults, began in 2012 with two yearly trips to Paris. I have so many happy memories of sharing my favorite places with wonderful people, many of whom tell me that you can't know Paris until you see it with me! Creating itineraries and arrangements for fun, interesting, memorable trips is one of my great joys!
- Artist: A lifetime in art, centered in drawing. Exhibits at galleries, museums and other venues. Illustrator with 10 published children's books and editorial credits. Artist/Designer with my own line of art prints and greeting cards featuring colorful scenes taken from my sketchbook, including Philadelphia: Famous Sites & Favorite Places and International Favorites (from my travel sketchbooks) www.macgregor-art.com
- Art Historian: Teaching of Art History at high schools in the Bay Area, California (including establishing AP Art History programs and reading the national AP Art History exam), at Drexel University and in community salon classes in California and Philadelphia.
- Writer: Award winning blog, art criticism and reviews in local and national publications, children's books, an exciting but not yet published historical mystery novel set in 18th century Paris.
- BFA Rochester Institute of Technology, MA Hollins University