Myrna J. Mackin, an avid supporter and member of AAWS for decades, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 10, 2026.

Most members know Myrna as the personable driving force of the Associated Artists’ Community Exhibits Program.  She single-handedly led, built, and expanded the program to as many as 24 venues at one point. And she worked diligently with venue owners and AAWS members for more than 20 years to enhance venue atmospheres and provide AAWS members with larger, more diverse audiences to view and enjoy their work.

Community Exhibits is truly a win/win/win for Winston-Salem, because the program offers members of the community informal opportunities to view, enjoy, and buy artwork that they otherwise might never have seen.

Following is a brief bio that accompanied the ballot for Myrna’s election to the AAWS Board of Directors in 2007:

"Myrna J. Mackin was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She has a degree in Behavioral Science from High Point University and a Masters in Liberal Arts from Wake Forest University. She has lived in Winston-Salem for 30 years. She has worked for RJR-Sealand, Wachovia Bank - Corporate Leasing, and as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Museum of Anthropology at WFU. She has volunteered for the Rape Line and with Battered Women. She is married to James Mackin and has two sons and two grandchildren. She enjoys painting, reading, gardening, and Tai Chi. "

Myrna remained on the Board through 2010, serving as Chair of the Membership Committee and Community Exhibits Chair. She returned to the Board in 2018 as Treasurer and helped us get back on our feet after the near shutdown. With her excellent organizational skills and dedication to actively ensuring AAWS’ continued success, including a personal $3,000 loan, she helped keep Associated Artists afloat. Through it all, she still ran the Community Exhibits Program.  

As an artist member, she was an accomplished watercolorist, but sometimes worked with acrylics, oil, and collage. Myrna was also a steady presence in the art world, showing her work in most exhibits. She also supported the local arts community in other ways. In addition to Associated Artists, Myrna was a member of the Muddy River Art Association and organized their exhibits for many years. She also served as Curator of Art Exhibits for the Historic Broyhill Office Suites for almost 15 years.

She and Jim were often Host Patrons for the AAWS Annual Spring for Art Fundraisers. Jim preceded her in death three years ago. Myrna was a firm but gentle spirit, a good friend, and a tireless supporter of artists and the arts.

Myrna will be missed by many.

- by Margaret Webster-Shapiro and Seth Moskowitz, with help from Teresa Everhart and the AAWS Archives.