World ‘ a little less colourful’ without artist Marion Forget
Marion Forget is being remembered as a true artistic talent in the Rose City following her death last weekend.
“I first met Marion years ago on the planning committee for Art Fest Welland,” said Chris Lagesten. “My first impression was that she was a unique — if not eccentric — and optimistic person with a strong love for art. Over the years I got to know Marion well between working on art events or projects and as a fellow member of BLX at the time.”
Forget, a member of the local Black Lantern Experience ( BLX) artists group, died at Welland hospital Saturday at age 49.
Lagesten said he remembers having some amazing shows together with Forget and the fun they had making good things happen in the local art scene.
“I remember having some great conversations about street art and giving some advice on galleries and taking the next step as an artist. I remember when Marion made the jump to being represented by Norman Felix Gallery in Toronto and how excited she was.”
Lagesten also remembers the pride Forget had when she was painting her canoe for the Canoe Art Project.
“So many great memories — mostly art- related — with Marion. The Welland art community definitely lost a great one,” he said.
James Takeo, co- founder of BLX, said Welland has lost a great artistic talent.
“She was one of the hardest- working artists I’ve ever had the honour and privilege of working alongside. Her love of art and family was often expressed not only in her artwork but in her actions. Her enthusiasm for doing art in this community was rarely matched, and her array of artistic mediums, styles, and subjects set her apart,” he said.
Takeo said Forget was often the first to volunteer in group efforts and was often quite involved in many projects, initiative, and events across the city.
“There are many children in this city who also received her best attention and artistic efforts by having their faces painted by her, and I’m sure she inspired the imagination of many in the process.”
He said her loss is being felt by family, friends and loved ones.
“It was truly an honour to do art, be cool and have fun alongside this wonderful and very human artist and friend. The world is now a little less colourful today with her loss. I, as well as many, truly are fortunate to have known her, and we all deeply mourn her loss,” Takeo said.
Meaghan Mulcair said she knew Forget for just shy of five years. Eerlier this month they celebrated her daughter’s birthday doing what Forget did best — face painting.
“We made a lot of young unicorns very happy. The following Saturday was the day I said goodbye to my friend. Holding her hand I said farewell. Reminded my art- loving friend that her family would be right in for the finale show and that I would see her again in the next life,” said Mulcair.
She said she was greatly saddened by the loss of Forget, who she called a beautiful soul.
“It is always in life the best die young. I dream for what she longed for and I am reminded of her beauty and strength. It takes a strong woman to keep smiling until the end …” Mulcair said.
A collection of Forget’s artwork is to be displayed during a celebration of her life at Cudney Funeral Home, 241 West Main St., at 1 p. m. Friday.
Takeo said anyone with Forget’s artwork or spare easels can contact him personally on Facebook or through the Art Space Welland Facebook page — www. facebook. com/ The Art Space Welland — and that he’s hoping to have everything collected by today.
“Marion was a big supporter of many of us in the artistic community. Let’s all help to make this happen.”
Forget leaves behind her best friend Jerry Sager; children Starr Vaillancourt, Jason Lavery, Christine Lessard and Jade Sager; brothers Marcel Forget and George Black; and soon- to- be five grandchildren.
Friday visitation at the Cudney Funeral Home starts at 11 a. m. Memorial donations may be made to the Liver Foundation.