Aces of Trades: Anne Quilter puts lifelong love of the arts to work in Marion County
Art has led her down an “interesting path.”
“I’ve always been interested in art,” recalled Anne Quilter. “As a young person, I drew, painted and sewed. I was always making something using a wide variety of materials. The ping pong table was always covered with some sort of project.”
Today, Quilter is president of Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society, a Marion-based nonprofit cooperative arts organization established by artists for artists.
“We solicit, represent and coordinate opportunities for shows and personal development of established and emerging artistically talented individuals in all styles and media,” she said. “I’ve been the president for the past decade or so. In that capacity, I work with our board of directors to facilitate our monthly meetings held the second Thursday of the month in the Garden Room of the Harding Centre. We organize the programming and shows and look for other ways to promote the visual arts in Marion County.”
Art education has been a big part of her life
Quilter was born near Naples, Italy, while her father served in the U.S. Navy. Her family moved to Marion long ago. She graduated from Marion Catholic High School, earned an undergraduate degree in art education and psychology from The Ohio State University, then a master’s degree in counseling psychology and art therapy from the McGregor School of Antioch College.
“After earning my bachelor’s degree,” she said, “I worked with the state prison system for almost four years and then began my career with Marion City Schools. Starting in the elementary schools, I taught art in every grade level in the district, retiring from Harding High School in 2020.”
“Once my children established their own lives, I began attending meetings,” Quilter continued. “I taught a few children’s classes for MOFAS and enjoyed meeting with like-minded artists. The president at that time needed to step down. They asked for a volunteer to take over and I raised my hand when no one else did. I didn’t want to see this non-profit disappear from the Marion art scene. Also, MOFAS hosts the Popcorn Festival Art Show every year and I hated to see that end.”
Sarah Murray is the former treasurer and now a member of the Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society.
“Anne has facilitated multiple things in the community,” Murray said. “She’s made sure the Art Society has a space to hold our annual art show during the Popcorn Festival, and she arranges details for the all-county high school art show. Anne fills the role of president with pride and passion. As a former art teacher, she’s very passionate about making sure art is in the lives of as many kids as possible.”
“It’s been an interesting path,” Quilter responded. “Art is my passion whether creating my own or sharing with other people, whatever the age. I’m a maker, always curious to learn. It’s who I am.”
All County High School Art Show at Tri-Rivers
Through a grant from the Marion Community Foundation, the Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society will host an All County High School Art Show and Competition for high school age artists in Marion County. Opening Night will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Tri-Rivers Career Center auditorium.
Everyone is welcome to come see the show, enjoy some refreshments from the culinary students and admire the artworks of talented young people. The show will remain on display for the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information about Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society, visit Facebook.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs — whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at news@marionstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Anne Quilter promotes creativity through Marion Fine Art Society
