Local artist Mary Striegel, featured in a September 2024 NPJ article as NSU’s only freshman with a PhD, has made quite a splash in the area art scene since beginning her art studies under NSU Assistant Professor of Art, Edgar Cano.
Twenty-four of Striegel’s paintings and prints, produced during her tenure at NSU’s Art Department, are currently featured in a one-woman art show at NSU’s Hanchey Art Gallery. The exhibition’s opening reception was held on Tuesday, January 20. The pieces depict subjects ranging from a waiter at Café du Monde, to self-portraits, each of which tells a story.
After earning a PhD in Chemistry 38 years ago, Dr. Mary Striegel moved to Natchitoches, raised a family, and completed a successful 29-year career with the National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Never one to stand still, her retirement has seen her developing her talents in an entirely different area, art.
Mary Striegel is a past president of the Natchitoches Art Guild and has exhibited her works at their gallery as well as the State Museum in Shreveport and Centenary College’s Meadows Museum.
Senior citizens, at least 60 years of age, may take one class per semester at NSU free of charge. This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun, expand your horizons or take your life in a totally new direction. In Mary Striegel’s case, that direction will be printmaking next semester and a Master’s Degree in Art from NSU after that. For students of any age, NSU can open a whole new world. Fork ‘em Demons!
