Artist Profile: Marsha Hopkins
This March we would like to introduce you to Marsha Hopkins. She is a writer, artist, and dedicated educator. With a BFA in Fine Arts and an MFA in Creative Writing, she spent over two decades teaching and mentoring at Otis College of Art and Design. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom. Since 2008, she has been a leader in community outreach, serving as chair of The History Council at CAAM and co-founder the BHM Collective. Through panel discussions and archived interviews, she has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of Black artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and civil rights activists. In today’s political climate, where DEI programs and Black history are being actively erased, Marsha’s voice is more vital than ever. Her work not only preserves these narratives but also ensures that Black Americans’ invaluable contributions to history and culture remain recognized and celebrated.
Can you tell us a little about yourself—where you worked last, your positions, and your goals?
I’ve worn many hats, each bringing its own challenges. One of the toughest—besides raising my son—was working as a telephone installer when only twelve women in California held that job. It pushed me beyond my shyness, making me more open to people.
I retired from Pacific Bell at 47 and returned to school, earning a BFA and MFA from Otis College of Art and Design. I had loved making art as a child and was fortunate to study it again. In December 2023, I retired from Otis after thirty years, and in many capacities, first as a Fine Arts student, later as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Department.
Teaching in LAS allowed me to introduce students to diverse cultures, ethnicities, and identities to allow them to share their cultural norms with other students. This makes for informed decisions based on their knowledge of the history of the United States — and other countries, and encourages them to see themselves represented in history. It was rewarding to witness shifts in their perspectives as they connected with others' experiences. In my Civil Rights class, I emphasized that these rights extend beyond Black and Brown communities or women — solidarity forms when groups recognize shared struggles. My goal was to show students the power of storytelling in building unity.
What inspired you to get involved with the Origin Stories Project?
Knowing about my background a friend encouraged me to join after retirement, and I felt compelled to contribute. I submitted a story and created a box, and later, when the project needed help expanding into Southern California, I agreed to help.
(See Marsha’s box here and listen to her story.)
My mother instilled in me the value of community engagement. She not only volunteered but also designed initiatives to help others, often enlisting my siblings and me. That upbringing shaped my commitment to programs that bring people together. She even once volunteered us for a harmless medical procedure as part of a group trying to raise awareness of a test to detect cancer in women. That's true dedication!
There has never been a time when the people of the U.S. needed to put aside their hatred and senseless feelings about one another more than now. The United States must be united, or all is lost. Origin Stories Project is a vehicle to move that idea along. We must come together to protect one another because we cannot depend on the government for help, it is they who widen the divide. When we listen to the stories of others, we find that we all want the same things, regardless of who we are, where we come from, our ethnicity, or how we identify. Our commonalities outweigh our differences and, when we recognize that, we build stronger communities.
You’ve been an advocate for dialogue and conversation in this project. Why?
Growing up in two diverse neighborhoods—Boston’s West End, a predominantly Jewish community north of the city—shaped my belief in the power of connection. I knew and trusted my neighbors, even if they didn't look like me. We talked to each other! Trust was built through knowing our neighbors’ stories.
Understanding comes from conversation. When we engage with others' experiences, we foster empathy and community. The better you know about a person, the easier it is to trust them, and as you interact, a relationship can grow. We must hear their stories to understand who they are, and to know them.
We hear this about the project: "We need this more than ever now.” How can we use stories and their Art Boxes to create conversations?
Exhibition with Artist Interaction – Each box features a story and an artist’s name. Guests can select a box that resonates with them and later meet the artist to discuss the story and its impact.
Question Boards – Clipboards beside each box allow visitors to write questions. A designated time can be set for artists to address these, sparking discussion.
Open Forum Q&A – Visitors are invited to share questions or personal experiences similar to the stories, encouraging dialogue.
Intergenerational Workshop – Seniors partner with high school students to create boxes. The discussion leads to objects that should be included, the historical context, and why certain elements matter. This fosters cross-generational exchange and deeper understanding. Youth feel useful, engaged, and capable, while elders are valued, understood, and celebrated. Entire communities are stronger.
Have you had any experiences that deepened your interest in other cultures and histories?
I’ve always been curious, and joining the CAAM History Council in 2008 took that to another level. I created a lesson plan for a Civil Rights class and presented it to my boss in hopes of restoring the presence of a Civil Rights class in the curriculum. As I acquired additional information, I was excited and wanted to learn more. In the past seventeen years, I’ve learned quite a bit and there is still so much to know. I continue to search for historical knowledge and ways to bridge divides. The Origin Stories Project is definitely a place to start.
