Five Artisans Home Show

Dawn Rancourt extends an invitation to attend a "Five Artisans Home Show" to be held at her home on Saturday December 12th. Show hours are 1-4 p.m. and again 6-9 p.m. Work will include: beaded jewelry, quilted hand bags, stuffed toys and wood work. Refreshments will be served.

For more information contact Dawn at 603-473-2848 or light_horse@hotmail.com .

Painting by Shawn Pelech

Visit Shawn's website to see more of her work.

Shawn Pelech Open Studio

An Art Collaboration

Don't miss the show titled: "Bending Perception - Exploration & Transition" at the Gafney Libray, 14 High Street, Wakefield, New Hampshire. Works by Art Group members Peggy Brewster and Peter Abate are on display from October 30th through November 30th, 2009.

The artists' reception is scheduled for Saturday November 14th from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm.

Regular library hours are: Tuesday & Thursday from 1:00 - 7:30 pm; Wednesday & Friday from 10:00 am - noon; Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Anita Muise is Featured Collage Artist

Anita Muise (known in the collage world as AnitaNH) tells all about the evolution of her mixed media art and her weblog that features it, AnitaNH: Collage and Life, in an interview by Marty Weil.

Read it on Ephemera: Exploring the World of Old Paper.

Shown above is Zinc Pennies, one of a new series of collages on watercolor paper utilizing vintage newspaper photos from from the 1940's.

Ken Eason at the Gafney

The abstract art of Ken Eason is on display this month at the Gafney Library on High Street in Sanbornville, New Hampshire. Library hours are: Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm; Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 noon; Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Lilac Photo Contest Winner

Mikel O'Brien won 11th place in the Governor's Lilac & Wildflower Commission 2009 Lilac Photo Contest. Her photo was selected out of over 800 entries. All of the winners have been posted to the State of New Hampshire's official site in a lilac photo slide show.

Mikel reports: "My winning photo was taken in the Wakefield Historic District on a lovely Sunday morning in May of this year. The lilacs, New Hampshire's State Flower, were outstanding this year and were a joy to photograph. I feel honored to have had my photograph chosen."

Mikel's photo depicts the property of Art Group member Chris Bozuwa.

Reception Report by Peter Abate

The reception at Willowbrook was well attended and there was plenty of good food, beer and wine and other beverages. All refreshments were donated by the museum and the artists...thank you, thank you, thank you. I would say there were about 30 to 40 people who came out to the museum to enjoy the evening, visit the carousel and exhibits and then socialize. Thanks to musician/singer Pat O'Brien for playing the piano for a while. There were a total of 137 ballots sold and possibly up to 9 pieces of art sold. We may have raised over $400.00 for the Durgin Barn Fundraiser!

Six artists received honors and were selected by the museum visitors over the summer as the favorites. Here are the results:

Best of Show: Beverly Grant for her oil painting "Nutes" (above).

2nd Place: Norman Royle for his acrylic painting "Early Morning" (above).

3rd Place: Eleanor Smith for her watercolor painting "Is This a Handicap Ramp" (above).

Honorable Mention 1: Mary Ann Kennedy for her watercolor painting "Lupine" (no photo available).

Honorable Mention 2: Peggy Brewster for her photograph "Old Tobacco Farm" (above).

Honorable Mention 3: Wendy Jones for her acrylic painting "Dad's Barn" (no photo available).

Thanks again to Amelia and her staff. Thanks also to the museum for the generous gifts for the winning artists.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Art Group members Peter Abate and Charles Kartsonis recently visited the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The museum is free and open to the public. Peter, who took all of the photos, reports:

The wonderful thing about this museum was that most of my favorite artists were front and center.... Van Gogh ( If you know anything about me you know how I love Van Gogh )

Gauguin ( Where would he be without Van Gogh, these paintings were side by side, you could feel the tension )

Modigliani ( Just amazing what more could you say )

Marsden Hartley ( Painted and lived in Maine )

John Marin ( Painted and lived in Maine )

Edward Hopper ( The painter most in touch with my love of architecture )

Georgia Okeefe ( This piece was huge, the artist working in these pictures had been coming and spending 2 hours a day working on his drawing )

There was so much more to see, we actually skipped the Asian galleries and the African Galleries. Did I say that the museum had no charge to get in?

I asked Charlie for the title of the book he is holding and he replied: The name of the book was "Every Way Possible". It detailed the 125 year history of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

The book was interesting because it not only covers their collection but also documents the move to the present site which, as Peter noted, was full of beautiful landscaping. (One interesting landscape specimen was what we've always referred to as "Deadly Night Shade". It was cultivated into a large, graceful and exotic-looking plant with dangling purple berries. ) Another interesting book at the museum shop was " Paper to Paint: Edward Hopper's Hotel Lobby". It followed the artist's work in transforming sketches into a final painting. The painting was "Hotel Lobby" which was on display at the museum.

The museum had several interesting installations. One that impressed both Peter and me was a thick glass floor that the viewer was encouraged to walk on. Once on the floor, the viewer looked down at thousands of little human figures holding up the floor and the viewer. Another inspiring installation was viewed from the third floor window.

Outside the window, with trees as a backdrop, was a large aluminum tube sculpture by Maya Lin called "Above and Below". The tubing looked like the naked framework of a canopy and created a tunnel that, if not for the fact that it was suspended in air, you would have been able to walk through. The inspiration for Lin were some local caverns. She recreated their interior space, the arched tunnels of the caverns, into a floating sculpture. I found it impressive that she took something inherently dark & concealed and transformed it into something light, open & airy. I found this link to an article about the sculpture.

Beth Hoffer in Natick Art Walk

Beth Hoffer of Lyric Photos will be participating in the Natick Art Walk on Thursday, August 20th from 5:30 - 8:30pm. You can find her at Crazy Jayne's, 29 Main Street. There will be framed pieces, matted prints and note cards available. More of her work can be viewed at the Frame Shop and Gallery which is just down the street from Crazy Jayne's.

On September 5th from 6pm - 8pm there will be an opening reception for a group show, "Preview to Open Studios". The exhibit will feature the work of thirteen artists with studios at the Holliston Mill. Beth will be there as a guest artist. The exhibit will be running the month of September in the Gilman Room of the Holliston Public Library.

Reception at Sunnyfield Studio

On Saturday August 29th friends and fellow artists are invited to a reception at Sunnyfield Studio from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunnyfield Studio in West Newfield, Maine is the creation of tapestry artist Jill Vendituoli and her husband Carl Beckman. This wonderful old fashioned studio has been carved out of their old barn, and is across the country road from Peter Abate's house.

Jill recently opened her studio during the Maine Fiber Arts Weekend Tour, which was very successful. Artists currently represented at Sunnyfield Studio include: Jill Vendituoli, Antinette Goncalves, Charles Kartsonis, Tyler Vendituoli and Peter Abate. Feel free to arrive early, any time after noon and spend some time in David's gardens, and visit Peter's barn as well.

Contact Peter if you need directions or more information. He says: " RSVP's would be nice but not necessary. . .we will be here hopefully you will be too!"

Willowbrook Reception

The Artist Reception at Willowbrook will be held on August 27th from 4:30 pm until 7:00 pm. All ballots will be counted and the awards will be announced that evening. The museum is opening some of the exhibits and also the carousel for those who want to experience old fashioned adult entertainment. So far we have had lots of positive feedback regarding this fundraiser and a good amount of participation from the museum staff and visitors.

How can you help with the reception? Peter Abate is asking for donations of easy snack type foods and desserts. If you are planning to attend and can bring a food item please let Peter know by August 22nd. Our goal is to raise as much as possible for the museum, while keeping the costs down.

Maine Fiberarts Tour

Maine Fiber Arts Tour Weekend 2009 is coming up on August 7th, 8th, and 9th. Needlepoint artist Jill Vendituoli's Sunnyfield Studio (number 117 on the official map) will be taking part. In addition to Jill's needlepoint, watercolors and photography by Peter Abate, beading by Antoinette Goncalves, acrylics by Charles Kartsonis, and ceramics and jewelry by Tyler Vendituoli will also be on display.

For more information on obtaining a free printed map, visit the Maine Fiberarts website, or contact Jill Vendituoli at 207-793-2504.

Art at the Gafney

The art drop-off is Tuesday June 30th between 9:30 and 10:30 am for the Gafney fundraiser. A $10. participation fee to cover reception costs is payable when you deliver your art.

The opening reception will be on Wednesday July 1st from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Gafney Library.

Raffle tickets to win original art donated by 38 local artists are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. Participating artists are: Peter Abate, Madelyn Albee, George Bent, Marion Blomster, Roy Blomster, Chris Bozuwa, Barbara Bradley, Judy Brenner, Peggy Brewster, Joyce Carnavale, Keith Carnevale, Kevin Carnavale, Valerie Shurer Christle, Mable Doyle, Peggy Farrell, Ginny Fluet, J. P. Goodwin, Jessica Grabowski, Beverly Grant, David Haldeman, Daydre Hamilton, Ron Harrison, Marie Hebb, John Hildebrandt, Charles Kartsonis, Bruce Levis, Anita Muise, Jennifer Murphy, Mikel O'Brien, Daniel Paulding, Shawn Pelech, Dawn Rancourt, Norman Royle, Glen Segedy, Sharon Theiling, Phil Twombley, Corina Willet, and Ruth Willet.

The raffle drawing and "Chocolate Reception" will be on Wednesday July 29th from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Gafney Library. Contact the library at 603-522-3401 for more information.

June Artists at the Gafney

Oil paintings and pastels by Mabel Doyle, and photography by Mikel O'Brien are on display at the Gafney Library, 14 High Street in Sanbornville, New Hampshire. Pictured above is "Autumn Leaves" by Mabel Doyle.

All are invited to meet the artists at a reception to be held Thursday June 18th from 5 pm until 7 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Art may also be viewed during library hours (Tues. & Thurs. 1-7:30 pm; Wed. & Fri. 10-Noon; Saturday 9-2) through June 27, 2009.

For more information, visit Mikel O'Brien's website, which features a lovely slide-show of her photographs.

Lyric Photos Of New England Doors

Photographer Beth Hoffer's latest project is the creation of a series of posters that feature her lovely photographs of doors. Now available are: Doors of New England (shown above) and Doors of Holliston.

Beth will be participating in the Natick Art Walk on Thursday July 16th and August 20th. View her solo exhibit during July and August at Crazy Jayne's Ice Cream Emporium which is located at 29 Main Street in Natick, Massachusetts.

Contact the artist by phone at 508-404-3337 or by email. To view more of Beth's photography visit her Lyric Photos website.

Peter Abate's Art & Antiques

Peter Abate has always been inspired by his love of architecture and design. He works with watercolor and ink in a variety of subjects and styles. Recently he has been working with geometric/abstract designs re-visiting his earlier appreciation of detail and line, while exploring new directions with composition, color and form.

Living in Maine since 1999 has had a profound effect on the direction of his art and related interests. Peter’s work is his diary. Every piece represents a significant moment and its influence. The artist developed his early skills under the direction of Ruth Sparks of Lynn, Massachusetts, and then later at Franconia College in New Hampshire. He has also worked with Winchester, Massachusetts painter Mary Ellen Conway.

Although Peter is known for his watercolors, a popular favorite is his fascinating collaged assemblage mixing vintage magazine advertisements with antique hardware:

Peter Abate is originally from Lynn, Massachusetts and now resides in West Newfield, Maine. In addition to painting and curating all of The Art Group's shows, Peter collects antiques and architectural salvage. His barn is full of amazing stuff! Check out his web site to see more. . .

Paintings by Ron Harrison Honored

Ron Harrison was honored by U.S. Coast Guard's First District at ceremonies at the Hospital Point Lighthouse in Beverly, Massachusetts which is the official residence of the Admiral. The honor was for his watercolor painting of the lighthouse which now becomes the permanent property of the residence. Ron is an official U.S. Coast Guard artist.

Ron also won the prestigious Lucy Clark Winant ribbon at the Swampscott Art Association's spring show at Marian Court College for his watercolor, "Still Sleepy." Ron has won ribbons at the last three Marian Court shows.

Pictured above is Ron's watercolor titled "Hospital Point Lighthouse."

Random Acts of Photography

The photography of brothers Keith and Kevin Carnevale will be on display at the Ossipee Public Library in Ossipee, New Hampshire during the month of May 2009. Contact Kevin for more information.

Willowbrook "Art for the Barn" Show

The Durgin Barns are the centerpiece of historic Willowbrook Museum in Newfield Maine. The barns date from the mid 1800’s and are on the National Register of Historic Places. The barns have served many purposes over the years including a public livery stable and grain store. The barns also played a vital community role where dances, lodge meetings, traveling shows, theatre and church suppers were held. The “Art for the Barn” fundraiser effort hopes to raise money to help with planned restoration projects, while highlighting the beauty and architecture of barns through various art mediums.

A juried art show will be held throughtout July, August, and September 2009. Artists of all ages producing work in all mediums are invited to submit. Each work must focus on "The Barn" as a theme. More information>

Art Fundraiser at the Gafney - July 2009

This season's Art at the Gafney fundraiser continues a summer tradition that has been very popular for library patrons and local artists. All members of The Art Group are invited to participate in this July 2009 event.

The Gafney Library is located at 14 High Street in Sanbornville, New Hampshire. It houses a circulating collection of books and reading materials for children and adults, as well as movies, music, and book audiotapes. The library also functions as a community center, providing access to technology, programs for children, literacy and adult education and GED preparation.

The Gafney Library has been showcasing individual and group art shows for many years while supporting artists in the local community and surrounding areas, including artists from Maine and Massachusetts. Please consider sharing and showing your art to help support this worthwhile cause. More information>

Flower - Power at the Gafney

This month at the Gafney Library, the watercolors, etchings and monotypes by Barbara Bradley Rutz are on display. Her Sunflowers, Trilliums, Nasturtiums, Gerberas, Ferns, Tulips and Queen Ann's Lace are not to be missed!

Meet the artist on Tuesday May 12th from 5-7. Contact Barbara for more information.

Art In Bloom

Peggy Brewster reports: "I will be in the Art in Bloom benefit show on Saturday April 25th at Kittery Estates. They will be having a floral display for each piece of art - sounds wonderful, maybe unique? A first for me. It's just north of the circle on the right, from 10-3pm."

The photo Peggy entered is shown above.

New Work: Deborah Decicco

Deb Decicco is learning to do Moku Hanga woodblock prints. Above is an example of her most recent work.

Welcome to The Art Group Weblog

The Art Group is an informal organization of artists living,working, and exhibiting in the Wakefield, New Hampshire area. It was founded in 2003 by Marblehead, Mass. and Ossipee, NH watercolor artist Ron Harrison as "The Ossipee Riverlands Artist League."

The Art Group exhibitions are managed by West Newfield, Maine watercolor artist Peter Abate, and its membership director is Wakefield artist Norman Royle.

The Art Group has shown work at the following locations: Gafney Library in Sanbornville, NH; Ossipee, NH Public Library; The Lewis Gallery at the Portland, Maine Public Library; The Willowbrook Museum in Maine.

First Group Show 2005

Portland Show 2006

Details on Art Fundraiser for the Gafney

1. All participating artists must R.S.V.P. to Peter Abate no later than May 17, 2009. Include your name, telephone number, and email address.
   
2. This invitation is to all members of "The Art Group."
3. The event will be held at the Gafney Library during the month of July 2009.
4. Each artist will be asked to submit 2 pieces of art: one as a donation to the library and one for private sale.
5. Peter Abate will supply forms to fill out providing information on each piece.It is open to all mediums. The majority of the art must be able to hang on the wall, although there will be a small amount of display space for pottery or sculpture. Size limit will be determined once we know how may artists plan to participate.
6. The cost to participate will be $10. per artist to cover reception costs. The fee can be paid on the day that the art is dropped off.
7. Previous "Art in the Barn" artists and artists that have exhibited at the Gafney Library are also invited to participate.
8. The library currently has some previously donated works which will be added to the show.
9. Artists work will be dropped off at the Gafney on June 30, 2009 between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
10. Raffle tickets will be sold during the month of July. Tickets purchased will be designated by number assigned to each of the donated artworks.
11. The works will be judged for "Best of Show," second place, third place, and 3 honorable mentions. Judging will take place prior to the reception. (There will be no monetary prizes as this is a fundraiser.)
12. During the reception (day and time to be announced later on The Art Group weblog) winners will be announced, raffles will take place, and other works can be purchased. Following this reception the artists will be able to take home unsold work.

Details on Barn Art Fundraiser for Willowbrook

1. The Willowbrook Barn Art Fundraiser will be held during the summer of 2009. Art will be displayed during the months of July, August, and September.
   
2. Artists of all ages and in all mediums are invited to submit work for juried selection. Each work (painting, photography, mixed media, etc.) must focus on "The Barn" as a theme.
3. The artist's cost to participate will be a $5. fee per entry (payable in cash or check). There will be a submission form filled out by each artist on the scheduled drop off day.
4. Each piece must be securely labeled with the artist's name, address, telephone number, title of work, medium and price (if for sale).
   
5. Each piece should not be larger than 20 by 24 inches. All works submitted must be ready to hang and must have adequate hardware.
   
6. The show coordinator reserves the right to refuse any art that does not meet these requirements.
   
7. Drop-off for artwork will be June 20 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon at the museum’s Durgin Barn Ballroom. All artists will be notified by phone or e-mail of the final selection on June 21.
8. Art selected will be at the discretion of the judges. Pick-up day for works not selected will be June 27 between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon at the museum gift shop.
9. All art selected will be exhibited through the summer; works sold will remain on display until the take down day.
   
10. Ten percent of each work sold will be contributed to the museum towards the fund-raising effort.
11. Artists submit works at their own risk. A contract/ disclaimer form that each artist will sign will be provided on the drop off day. The museum will do everything possible to insure security for all submitted art. However, the museum will not be responsible for damage or theft.
12. Art selected will be judged for best of show, second place, third place and 3 honorable mentions. Prizes will be awarded. Works will be judged by museum visitors during the summer and announced at the reception.
13. The reception will be held on August 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Various museum exhibits will be open for artists and guests.
14. The final take-down and pick-up date will be September 29 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. The museum will not be responsible for art left unclaimed.
15. Contact Peter Abate for more information.