River Birch Studio
Mary Claire O'Neal
I was shy growing up and got into acting as elective in college to try to overcome my shyness. It helped with that, and I discovered I could channel my creative energy in a good way. I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University “With Distinction” in educational psychology and another major in English. I went to graduate school at Notre Dame in English and Communication but decided I wanted to try professional acting. I acted around the country and became a member of Actors Equity in NYC. After about 10 years, I found myself at the National Theater of Great Britain acting with Anthony Hopkins. I had reached my goals with acting and realized that acting was a great vehicle for me to become a better communicator and to overcome fear. I wanted share what that process taught me, so I started teaching workshops in creative expression and the creative process. Teaching these workshops—helping participants become more comfortable with the creative process—has been a love of mine, as well as teaching workshops to help participants become more comfortable and confident with communication. My travel and location photography has been a way to capture the beauty and diversity of life and has been a doorway, I think, to my discovery of painting at the age of almost 62. I’m a full time studio artist now, and I write, as well, and teach Creative Exploration Workshops and workshops in resiliency. I share my life with my beloved husband and my dog, The Mighty Quinn.
I'm a juried exhibiting artist for the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen in the areas of painting and photography.