As one of San Anselmo’s arts commissioners, it was only a matter of time before I ran into Sharon Virtue, a dynamo with a generous artistic spirit who loves making things happen.
What do you do?
I’m a painter and ceramic artist working in community arts. I’m a teacher, facilitator and lifelong student.
Where do you live?
In Fairfax. Before that, I was in Oakland and San Francisco. I’ve lived in the Bay for over 30 years now. Fairfax gets me deeper into nature and has a less hectic energy.
How long have you lived in Marin?
Three years.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
Hiking in the hills around my home or gardening. A lot of gardening!
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
Point Reyes is a power place of dynamic energy and beautiful nature. There’s some of the best beachcombing to be found. Natural gifts from the ocean, flotsam and jetsam.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
I know everyone says diversity, but it really does take different strokes to make the world more interesting and purposeful.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
Spend as much time in nature as you can—it calms you down and feels refreshing like nothing inside can.
If you could ask anyone to join you at dinner, who would you invite?
I would love to share a meal with the Dali Lama and talk about altered states of consciousness and world peace.
What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What’s something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
The amount of time I spent sweating all that small stuff.
Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?
Return to a state of respect and gratitude for all living things.
Keep up with Virtue at virtuevision.org and at @shabanackle on Instagram.
Nish Nadaraja collects Legos and original art, but not nearly enough flotsam and jetsam. At least not yet.
