Rising Stars: Meet Mary Mackey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Mackey.

Hi Mary, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Born in Sterling Colorado in 1959, moved to Colorado Springs in 1964. I went back to Sterling for High School and then moved to Aspen Colorado for a year, before moving to Denver to go to the Colorado Institute of Art. I studied Photography there.

I started traveling to Europe in 1986 and moved to London in 1989. I then moved to Berlin in 1990 and became involved with the East Side Gallery in Berlin, check out www.eastsidegalleryberlin.com I am one of 118 artists from all around the world who got to paint on the Berlin wall and it is still there to this day.

I returned to Denver in 1991 and opened the Mackey Gallery in 1992 which had a successful run for 15 years. From 2005-20017, I worked on my art which was Photography, Print-making, Painting, Mixed media, and finally ceramics. In 2017, I decided to Open Urban Mud a membership-based ceramic studio and Gallery at 530 Santa Fe Drive in Denver. Urban Mud has kept me very busy and has grown every year.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, I’m not sure anyone I know has not had obstacles. I for one never had any financial support.

For many years, I supported myself with my cleaning service which in its own right was successful. This is how I paid the bills until my gallery or whatever I was doing at the time became solvent.

When I met my husband George in 2010 my life did take a big turn and he supported my endeavors i.e., Urban Mud, and my art.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, I’m not known for any one thing. I have had success in Photography, painting, printmaking, and now ceramics. But I’m also known as a gallery owner, and art and artist promoter.

Probably my biggest accomplishment is owning and operating a great gallery for 15 years. My next accomplishment is painting on the Berlin Wall and being involved with the East Side Gallery. I have made a living with my art in one way or another either from my work as an artist or promoting others in their journey with art.

I have been involved with art in some aspects of Denver for over 40 years.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work, and living with intention. If you want something then figure out how to get it and go for it.

Pricing:

• Membership to Urban Mud is $275 a month.

Contact Info:

• Website: urban-mud.com
• Instagram: @marymackeyart
• Facebook: Mary Mackey Art