Mayor William M. Manzi has named Diane Maroun as December’s Artist of the Month. Fine artist Diane J. Maroun, graduated from the prestigious School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Diane has received instruction from nationally renown artists such as Copley Master, Mark Hayden and technical master John Barnes. For over 15 years Diane has created celebrated portraits of both people and animals using the techniques of such masters as Sargent or Bouguereau. From a photograph or live subject, Diane’s paintings “literally glow – offering a depth, richness, and quality of tone” not often found in art today.

Although her main focus is traditional and realistic art using oils and watercolors, Diane also has extensive experience in fantasy art and illustrative work for cards. In addition to being a commissioned fine artist, Diane has been past president and a member of Andover Artists Guild, Inc. of Andover, Massachusetts for over 12, as well as the past head coordinator for Andover Art in the Park for over 10 years. Diane also held the position of Director of the Alexander Fine Art Gallery of Haverhill, Massachusetts and was former Owner and Director of the Crescent Dragon Gallery Cafe also in Haverhill, Massachusetts. She currently works in Methuen.

Mayor Manzi stated, “I’d like to thank Diane for her participation in this program. She is one of the many talented artists working in our community. It is an honor to display her paintings in my office. I encourage people to come to my office and view her work.”

The Methuen Artist of the Month Program was created by Mayor Manzi over five years ago in order to give members of the Methuen Arts Community a forum to display their work and to encourage participation in Methuen’s growing creative economy.