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Marceil Kazickas

Member Artist

BOARD MEMBER

After graduating from The University of Michigan, I worked briefly in the dental profession in Texas before moving to New York. My husband and I settled in Port Washington after I had taken a CPR recertification at St. Francis Hospital. The instructors were volunteers from the Port Washington Fire Department. They quickly convinced me that my new community needed my help in getting the ambulances rolling. I signed up and became an EMT with Fire Medic Co. #1, volunteering on my days off and also many night shifts. It was wonderful to serve Port and work with such a dedicated group while also being one of the few women at the time serving the department. I raised my kids here and have been active with many of the great organizations that call Port Washington and Sands Point home. In 2007, I inherited my daughter’s art classes at a local art school. It fueled a new passion for me and helped me find my way through a very difficult health crisis. I believe that art is life changing and has the power to heal. I presently work with other family members on Kazickas Family Foundation projects here and in Lithuania. One of our largest programs , Youth Can, focuses on reaching out to kids at risk in Lithuania. We have coaches that meet and connect with these children weekly for physical activities and to teach life skills. Lithuania has one of the highest suicide rates for young adults and we are trying to change this statistic. I also have been involved with many of our medical partnership programs . One of my greatest joys was helping a young cancer survivor attain a prosthetic leg here in the US.

The Art Guild has become a home away from home for so many in our community. It is the place to try new things, meet friends, and explore one’s creativity. I was welcomed the first time I visited and have felt nurtured ever since. There is always a new class or workshop to try and continuing opportunities to exhibit our work. I enjoy being a part of this diverse, talented, and hard working group . It’s refreshing to bring wonderful ideas to fruition and share our passion for the visual arts.

IN THE COMMUNITY

The Kazickas Family Foundation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Growing Love Community Garden, North Shore Animal League, Hooves for Hope, The Art League of Long Island, The Art Guild.