The opening - Celebrating Marianne Ogden

Mark Camilleri (GM Cavalieri Art Hotel), Laura Swale, Chargé d’Affaires Ken Toko

Thank you

Allura would like to thank all those who attended the recent opening of our exhibition Celebrating Marianne Ogden at the Cavalieri Art Hotel. We are pleased to now share the event photo gallery along with a few words from Marianne’s friends, family and students.

The exhibition is still running and open to anyone wishing to visit. Marianne’s remaining artworks can also be purchased online through Allura. 

Guests left messages in the Visitors Book

About Marianne

Marianne Stratton Ogden was an American artist who lived and worked in Malta for many years. She was a much loved and appreciated member of the art community.

To read more about Marianne, view her Allura profile or read our previous blog post.

Speakers

The event was hosted by Allura’s Laura Swale, who also spoke about Marianne and her impact on others. The first guest speaker was Ken Toko, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Malta.

Allura would like to thank Ken Toko for his thoughtful speech, and both he and his colleague Christy Gillmore at the U.S. Embassy for their kind support.

Ken Toko, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Malta

Marianne taught art at Verdala International School. Also speaking was Head of School Totty Aris, who spoke warmly of Marianne’s passion and generosity, and how loved and respected she was at the school.

Totty Aris, Head of Verdala International School, speaking about her colleague Marianne

Totty Aris and Ken Toko, Head of School and Chargé d’Affaires respectively

Visitors included colleagues and fellow teachers from the school.

Marianne's colleagues and friends

Marianne’s students and their parents also attended the opening.

Former student Marina Gusarov shares her memories:

”Ms Ogden is my favourite teacher of all time. Every lunchtime I would rush up the stairs to the art room to continue working on the current art project, because she encouraged us to do more than what we could manage just in class time. She let my best friend Yihan and I stay once a week after school with her and make anything we could, and the three of us talked. She was genuinely kind.”

Marina Gusarov with Marianne Ogden in 2019

“This is the first day of school, scholastic year 2019-2020. In Russian tradition, on this day we give flowers to homeroom teachers, but I gave flowers to my favourite teacher.”

Marina Gusarov and her family fell in love with two of Marianne’s paintings and decided to give them a new home.

Mark, Marina and Natalia Gusarov with Valletta Sunrise

Natalia, Marina and Mark Gusarov with Maritime on the Waterfront

Also in attendance were other artists, friends and acquaintances from the local art community.

Natasha Dadush, Maria Somers, Philippa Xuereb and Laura Swale

Nancy Generelli

A big thank you goes to Nancy Generelli, Marianne’s friend and fellow teacher, for taking care of Marianne’s artwork since she left Malta, and for her time and effort in setting up the exhibition.

“I loved seeing Marianne’s paintings of Malta’s skies, from dawn to dusk. They captured every nuance of light, it was a beautiful gift. Our countryside sketches and walks were pockets of solace and joy. She made you feel seen, turning quiet reflection into courage, possibility and ideas. I’ll never forget our talks on art and teaching. She leaves not just beauty, but a brave, unforgettable story.”

Nancy Generelli

Laura Swale and Nancy Generelli

Thanks go to Mike Swale and Herman Grech for their support in making the exhibition happen.

Last but not least, thank you to Mark Camilleri, General Manager of the Cavalieri Art Hotel, for generously accommodating the exhibition and for his kind support with the opening.

Chris Balzan, Herman Grech, Laura Swale and Mike Swale

A message from Marianne’s family in the U.S.A.

“The Stratton family is touched and moved to see Mariannes work being celebrated. For others to come together, spark conversation and enjoy each other's company over her work. Marianne never wanted to be the center of attention but always wanted to inspire others. The fact that her wishes are carrying on in Malta would bring her great joy. I know it brings us, her family, a warmth to our hearts. Thank you deeply to all those who attended and to Allura and Laura for putting it all together.”

Tyler Stratton (Marianne’s nephew)

Marianne with her painting Maritime on the Waterfront

Click here to view the full photo gallery.

The exhibition is currently still running and open to the public and Marianne’s artwork remains available through Allura Art.

To leave a message for the family you can write in the exhibition visitors’ book. Alternatively, Allura can put you in touch with them privately.

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.