08/05/2026
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved teacher and friend Esther Maschio. Esther began teaching printmaking at SSAC in 1996, after studying under the former master printmaker Berj Kalian. For the past 30 years Esther has led our printmaking program, as well as taught color theory, gelli printmaking, artist journaling, bookmaking, and helped lead our youth Art Stars Program in the early years. Esther was a master of her craft, and of her teachings. Students lovingly describe her instruction as challenging, orderly, collegial, and non-competitive. Esther possessed a deep art knowledge and yet conducted her classes with broad, artistic, individual approaches combined with wild experimentation and innovation. Her creativity was overflowing, often encouraging students to be resourceful using materials you would casually throw away, including anything covered in rust. Allowing each student to develop their inner creativity, Esther “herded” her students and created a space for all artists at our center. We will greatly miss Esther’s strong yet gentle spirit that started our week off every Monday morning at the center for the past 30 years. We will honor her memory and legacy by always holding a place for our artists here at the South Shore Art Center while striving to inspire and guide, just as she did for all these years. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Esther’s daughters Lisa Hébert, Karen Maschio, Bethany Maschio and all her family during this time.
