Mary Epperson Day 

Our local arts community celebrates a beloved Homer arts advocate, the late Mary Epperson, annually on or around her birthday. In 2011 the Mayor of Homer declared June 6th to be Mary Epperson Day. Below are a couple of our favorite excerpts from the proclamation which best illustrate the inspiration and spirit behind our celebration.

For many years Mary Epperson taught piano out of her Etude Studio, formerly on the property of HCOA. Her mission was to find a place for everyone in the arts–whether they were interested in theater, instrumental music, visual art or more.

HCOA produces Mary Epperson Day events in conjunction with other community partners, including Pier One Theatre, the Pratt Museum and Park, and local businesses.

Learn more about Mary Epperson and her life in Homer News and the Alaska Woman Hall of Fame articles.

“Mary Epperson has contributed so much of her time and energy to the advancement of the arts in Homer that her name is synonymous with the arts.”

“She inspires us all to take on artistic challenges, give freely of ourselves, and to do so with a loving heart and a warm smile.”

Mary Epperson, 1922–2016 Homer, Alaska