Join us to celebrate Marianne Ogden
Honouring a distinctive artist
It is with both sadness and gratitude that we invite you to join us in honouring the life and legacy of Marianne Ogden, a beloved artist, teacher and friend who recently passed away, at a special exhibition opening hosted by Allura. The event will take place on Tuesday June 17 from 7-9pm at the Cavalieri Art Hotel in St Julian’s.
This informal event will celebrate Marianne’s creative journey, showcase her remaining artwork and offer a space for those who knew her to meet in her memory and leave messages for her family overseas.
About Marianne
Marianne was an American artist who made Malta her creative home and contributed a truly original voice to the local art scene.
For many, this may be the first time hearing of Marianne’s passing. As her gallery, we would like to acknowledge the deep loss felt by all who knew her, while also giving thanks for the joy, inspiration and kindness she brought to our lives and to the Maltese art community.
Marianne’s family and friends remember her on Facebook:
“Marianne was a deep well. She didn’t seek attention or the spotlight. She had a profound love for people. As she discovered art, she learned to express that love in many forms.”
Marianne’s Journey
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Marianne’s artistic journey spanned decades of painting, teaching and exhibiting across the United States, until 2013, when she arrived in Malta. Her mixed media works, a delicate fusion of collage and hand-painting, captured Malta’s monumental cityscapes and the light that so enchanted her.
“I fell in love with Malta” Marianne once said, “its rich culture, creamy tiered architecture, vivid blue sky, sea and dramatic clouds. It’s a unique and special country that needs to be preserved.”
Marianne also taught art at Verdala International School, inspiring countless students with her warmth, generosity and encouragement.
Marianne and Allura
Marianne joined Allura in 2022, immediately becoming a cherished member of the community. She brought with her not only her artistic expertise, but also a spirit of collaboration and genuine friendship.
Laura Swale and Marianne Ogden on the shoot of Artist Secrets
Artist Secrets
In her episode of Artist Secrets, she generously shared her playful approach to mixed media and her philosophy of art as both exploration and storytelling.
Click here to read our blog post about Marianne’s episode of Artist Secrets.
Click the image to watch Marianne’s episode of Artist Secrets
Art at the Corinthia Palace
Marianne also took part in Allura’s collective exhibition: Art at the Corinthia Palace. She felt it was an honour to exhibit at the Corinthia Palace, describing it as “a stunning Maltese landmark, among those we artists celebrate in our work”.
Marianne and fellow artists on the opening night of Art at the Corinthia Palace
We will remember Marianne for her kindness, gentle humour and unwavering belief in the transformative power of art. She was a natural teacher, a supportive colleague and a dear friend.
A book about Marianne
Marianne’s work was deeply influenced by the themes of the hero’s journey, Jungian theory, mythology and faith. Incorporating these themes, Marianne’s nephew Luke is currently compiling a book about her life, to show how her art became a visual narrative of courage, transformation and hope.
Marianne with her painting Maritime on the Waterfront
Testimony
At the time of her passing, Marianne was working on a large artwork measuring 7.5 x 15 feet, entitled Testimony 2, the second and final, unfinished section of her epic series. The last, unfinished part of this painting was to represent ‘the beyond’, the unseen and the journey through the afterlife.
Marianne at work on Testimony
It was intentionally left blank, but with instructions for its completion. It will stand as a powerful testament to her belief in the mysteries that lie beyond this life and her trust in the creative process to guide us there.
A Lasting Legacy
Marianne’s painting View from Senglea was recently acquired by Malta International Airport for their permanent collection and is displayed at the new VIP Terminal.
View from Senglea hanging at the new VIP Terminal at Malta Airport
Reactions from friends and family
We are also grateful to her friends and colleagues who supported her, including her close friend Fr Dyonisius Mintoff and her fellow art teacher and close friend Nancy Generelli, who cared for Marianne’s artwork during her time in the USA.
Marianne pictured with her colleague Nancy (right)
As Marianne’s husband Bryan Ogden remarks, “Although she would say ‘it’s not about me’, Marianne’s greatest hope was that her work would continue to inspire and communicate after she was gone.”
Marianne with her husband Bryan
We therefore hope that her last few artworks will find homes with those who truly appreciate the love, sensitivity and creativity she infused them with, and the beautiful, kind and inspiring soul she was.
Join us to celebrate Marianne and her art
You are warmly invited to attend the upcoming event to celebrate Marianne’s life and art at the Cavalieri Art Hotel in St Julian’s on Tuesday June 17 from 7-9pm. Her remaining artworks be on display and are available through Allura, with proceeds going towards the care of Marianne’s elderly mother.
