Growing up in Michigan, Marcia developed a lifelong connection to the outdoors spending her childhood exploring wooded areas, climbing trees, hunting for morels, stream fishing, and camping throughout northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula with her family. Alongside her love of nature, she also discovered an early passion for drawing and creative expression.
This connection led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Oakland University and a Master of Science in Ecology at the University of Delaware. Following graduation, a challenging job market in the environmental field encouraged her to expand her artistic skills through studies in Airbrush Painting and Advertising Design at Columbus College of Art & Design.
Marcia’s career path ultimately evolved into the creative field, where she worked as a freelance graphic designer, a community college art instructor, and later as a corporate Graphic Designer and Art Director for a West Michigan furniture manufacturer. Throughout her professional journey, she continued to develop her personal artistic voice, with a focus on watercolor painting and bird photography inspired by the natural world. Her work has been featured in street fairs and through commissioned pieces.
After retiring from her corporate role, Marcia found a meaningful way to reconnect her background in ecology and her passion for art. In April 2023, she joined Ottawa County Parks & Recreation as a part-time Outdoor Educator. In this role, she engages visitors of all ages through educational programming while continuing to explore and draw inspiration from the region’s diverse natural spaces.
“The numerous County Parks provide wonderful opportunities to explore, as I continue to paint watercolors and photograph birds. Now, as a staff member of the Parks, I am able to combine my art/design skills and educational background in Nature/Ecology while engaging with people of all ages in the wonderful programs that are offered by the OC Parks. ” – Marcia Huff, Artist and Nature Education
Marcia will be showcasing her nature-inspired watercolor work at Art for the Parks on April 25 at Hemlock Crossing. This special event brings together regional artists, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers in a celebration of creativity and conservation. Guests can enjoy a wide range of artwork across multiple mediums, along with live music by MacKael LaMore and food from the strEAT Taco Kitchen food truck.
A $10 suggested donation at the door and 10% of all art sold benefit the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Guests can avoid the lines and be fast-tracked into the venue by signing up online before the show at the Ottawa County Parks Foundation at ottawacountyparksfoundation.org.2025-art-for-the-parks.