Introducing the Marian Nixon Scholarship Fund
Some people walk into a room and make it bigger. Marian Nixon was one of those people.
If you spent any time with Marian, you know what I mean. She had a way of finding the person who almost didn't show up, pulling up a chair, and making them feel like they'd always belonged. She did it at trade shows, in the Advice for Artists community, and here at The Smiley, where she became as much a part of this place as the paint-stained tables and the laughter that fills it.
Marian passed away on May 8, 2026. She is so deeply missed.
Her community is honoring her the way she would have wanted, by making space for more artists to experience what she loved so much about The Smiley. The Marian Nixon Scholarship Fund supports artists who dream of attending a retreat but need a little help getting here.
Want to apply? If finances have stood between you and a retreat, please reply to this newsletter and I'll take it from there. All inquiries are handled with care and complete privacy.
Scholarships are available for any upcoming retreat. Right now I have spaces open in:
Collage & Lettering with Lynn Giunta—June 1-5
Blooming Whimsy with Helen Dardik—June 17-21
Junk Assemblage with Lori Seibert—July 6-12
Want to contribute? You can donate online via PayPal or send a check made out to The Smiley Manse (memo: Marian Nixon Scholarship) to 485 Cherry Hill, Springfield, VT 05156. All donations go directly into a restricted fund used exclusively for scholarship support. Please note these are personal gifts and are not tax-deductible.
Marian left every room warmer than she found it. This is my way of keeping that going.
Kindly,
Jennifer
