13" X 18" Acrylic

"On Thanksgiving Day of 2003, I spent the entire day, along with my family at Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  We were there to experience the re-creation of the "First Thanksgiving" of 1671.  As public visitors we were encouraged to walk around within the staged outside "colony" village.  There we could hear and observe the many talented character actors who were dressed in the garments of that period and spoke the English dialect of that day in "1671."

With my camera in hand, I took many photographs of the "colonists' along with the "Wampanoag natives" who were re-enacting that November day.  The weather was dry and sunny.  I remember the crisp bright sunlight.  All the colors around us were vivid and sharp.  The outside cool air occasionally had a pleasant smell of burning wood from the fires that were gently crackling inside the cottage fireplaces.

These two "Ladies of the Colony" were tending the herb garden behind one of the small cottages.   A small group of us, visitors, gathered to watch and listen.  You observe in this painting their quiet conversation as they conversed about the "gathering" that was to happen that day. The scarves and hats framed their beautiful faces.   The shadows from the afternoon sun created shapes upon their features. 

Mary-Ann Suvari is a Rhode Island native who currently resides in North Attleboro, home of Cornerstone Studios, where she paints and creates her own line of greeting cards. Mari-Ann is an honors graduate of the RI College Art/Design Education program.  She subsequently developed graphic design skills working in the publishing industry, and in the l990's taught adult art programs.  She has earned "honorable mention" in juried Rhode Island art exhibits.  Mari-Ann was also juried into the “Home” show at the Attleboro Arts Museum this year.