Artist of the Month / July 2026: Marcia Morrow

By: Amber Ford, The Mountain Times

Longtime Sandy resident Marcia Morrow finds comfort and creativity in the artwork she creates. A watercolorist by trade, Morrow’s work is not just an enjoyable hobby, but a way she identifies, through color and creativity. Crediting her artistic passion to her natural curiosity, she set out to explore how deep she could go as an artist. “No one in my family had artistic tendencies; it is something I had to explore on my own,” she said. “I love to create: it’s something I have always enjoyed, so the progression to fine arts seemed natural,” she added.

Morrow’s passion for art began as a teenager, and she has carried it into her adult life. Always finding an outlet for her creativity, her experience has shifted and changed throughout the years, but she has never wavered in her desire to create.  “As far as painting, it was oils, then acrylics, then watercolors,” she said. “Just in the last 30 years I’ve felt comfortable calling myself an artist.” 

Morrow was self-taught in her younger years, but has continued to develop through different classes and workshops in watercolor. “I have taken some art classes at Mt Hood Community College and also privately from several artists over the years, many through my membership in the Watercolor Society of Oregon,” Morrow said. “I also took a weekly art class from local artist Beth Verheyden for seven years. In doing so, I developed lasting friendships with other artists.”

Watercolors are Morrow’s passion, but she has experimented with other art forms. “I’ve helped with painting the murals in Sandy and making floral arrangements for groups,” she said. “I also enjoy calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography, which I use for painting material,” she added. Her art community brings fellowship and encouragement, and she finds growth in supporting other artists. “I appreciate all forms of art, all artists,” she says. “I try to support artists when I can. I really admire realistic portrait artists; portraiture is a tough subject to execute properly, but I attempt it every so often.”

Morrow finds inspiration in every detail and every memory she’s found in her Mt. Hood backyard. “Inspiration is everywhere. Pine trees are a favorite of mine to paint, as well as rhododendrons,” she said. “All of the animals and birds are so wonderful. I’ve painted Mt. Hood many times.” 

As president of The Wy’East Artisans Guild, Morrow’s professional passions are a true testament to who she is as an artist and community member. With her work currently on display at Cooper’s Wine Bar, the lobby of the Sandy Actors Theatre, and periodically at The Sandy Public Library, her art is shared from Sandy to Welches. The Wy’East Artisans Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. at Antfarm in Sandy every third Thursday of the month and runs from September thru May. All are welcome to attend.