Vankleek Hill fine art photographer seeks next chapter of life

Reenie Marx wants it to be well known that she is not completely retiring. She is only “rounding the circle,” to whatever comes next in life.

The incredibly talented photographer and fine artist is having an End of an Era Sale of her collection on August 30 and 31.

Marx’s photos can easily be mistaken for paintings because of how they are crafted. Her work is as eclectic as her life experiences. Born and raised in Chicago, Marx studied at the University of Illinois and then spent 1971 to 1973 following what became known as the Hippie Trail through central and southern Asia. Stops along the way included pre-Soviet invasion and pre-Taliban Afghanistan, and pre-Islamic revolution Iran. Exploring Asia ended with settling first in St-André Est, and then in Rivington with her now late husband, Wendell Hyde. Life in Rivington was the “back to the land” lifestyle so common in many rural areas in the 1970’s. During that time, Marx began her teaching career at Laurentian Regional High School in Lachute, which concluded with her retirement in 2005.

Marx considers herself a teacher first, and her art career began substantially in 2006, using a digital camera she received as a retirement gift. She and Wendell moved to Vankleek Hill in 2011. Marx said retirement allowed her to be more in the moment and see opportunities for photography subject matter everywhere.

“I started to see in a way I’ve never seen before because for the first time, I was present in the moment, I wasn’t lost in my thoughts.”

Marx never exhibited her work in a gallery, but her work was regularly sold at the now closed Finnegan’s Market in Hudson, and she regularly sold her work at shows across Eastern and Central Ontario, and Québec. The subjects in her photos are from the surrounding area and many travels across Canada and around the world. Marx has worked closely with framing studios locally and in Montréal and particularly values the long relationship she has had with Bogue Photo in Hawkesbury.

Wendell Hyde died in 2021. Not long after, Marx reconnected with Michael Colucci, whom she had a relationship with in 1970. Their reunion was the subject of a piece which appeared on CBC’s In First Person in 2022.

Now married to Colucci and both living in Vankleek Hill, Marx wants to enjoy precious years together.

“Think carefully about what you want to do with your time, because it’s not unlimited,” Marx said.

For nearly 20 years, Marx has taught photography and other subjects, both in-person, and online. She hopes to continue these activities, and even possible classroom teaching. Her photography as art will continue on a limited basis. She emphasized that the current sale is about moving from one part of her life story to the next.

“I feel I’ve completed that part of the chapter called Reenie the photographer,” she said.

The End of an Era Sale takes place on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31 at the Reenie Marx Fine Art Photography Studio at 33 Jay Street in Vankleek Hill. The sale includes framed originals, prints, and cards at a wide range of prices. Some items are also for sale online at www.reeniemarx.com.

Photos: James Morgan

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