Rita McGlasson | her life celebration in art 1938-2026

Please join us in celebrating the incredible life of Rita McGlasson (1938-2026) with a beautiful exhibition highlighting her life art accomplishments and works by two generations of family members she has inspired. This exhibition shares how the legacy Rita continues to inspire in future generations.

Refreshments and appetizers will be served.

The exhibition will be on view June 13 through July 31.

Second Saturdays: Open to the public and special events.

Please come to take in the joy of her life.

Can’t make it? Reach out to schedule a visit by calling Genie 715-338-6766

Mom’s Biography written by Genie Castro:
Rita was born in Superior, Wisconsin in 1938. Her father, Alton Benson was service station owner and her Mother, Eleanore Benson was a housewife. Her family moved to Hopkins, Minnesota. Rita was in the first graduating class from Hopkins Eisenhower High School in 1956. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Arts Education, studying ceramics, photography and painting. She taught elementary school in Beeville, Texas after she married Bruce McGlasson in 1961. She had me (Genie) in Minneapolis, Minnesota when my dad was stationed in Antarctica as an officer in the US Navy. Upon his return to the states, our family moved to Feasterville, Pennsylvania where she created a beautiful home for Bruce and their three children. She created artwork and made life long friends there. Our family moved to a hobby farm in Chalfont, Pennsylvania when I was in the first grade. She continued to paint in the garden and sell watercolor paintings at street fairs, substitute teach and volunteer for our community and school. Upon moving back to Hopkins as a divorced mom, she was as a realtor, interior designer for Ethan Allen. She retired, remarried Bill Gibson and moved to Duluth, Minnesota. At her studio in her lake home she created a multitude of artworks inspired by the beauty of Fish Lake and nature around her. She was a delightful entertainer, especially when she had a houseful, including kids and grandchildren throughout Fourth of July holidays and weekends. She returned to Hopkins in later years and showed artwork at Hopkins Center for the Arts and SuperCharged Printmakers where she was a member. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and they were often the subject of her paintings along with lake scenes, still lifes of flowers and tea pots.

She passed away on May 12, 2026. Her legacy inspires us as children and grandchildren and we are forever blessed by her. Come celebrate with us the life of Rita Kay McGlasson.