The Art Group

Art Group Winter Show

2012-01-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Art Group Winter Show will be at the Gafney Library in Sanbornville, New Hampshire throughout January 2012. Participants include: Peggy Brewster, Anita Muise, Norman Royle, Ken Eason, Shawn Pepech, JP Goodwin, Joyce Youngberg, Ron Fountain, Arlene Leyare, Kevin Carnevale, Mable Doyle, Juli Twombley, Chris Bozuwa, Titia Bozuwa, Elaine Klement, Sharon Lee, Bill Fein, Marion Blomster, Ruth Willet, Sharon Theiling and Peter Abate.

Creating Inside the Box

2011-10-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

The work of Art Group members Sharon Lee and Anita Muise is on display at the Gafney Library during the month of October. Included are paintings, drawings, pottery, collage and multi-media.

All are invited to attend the artist's reception on Thursday October 20th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The Gafney Library is located at 14 High Street in Sanbornville, New Hampshire (right next to Town Hall).

Library hours are: Tues. & Thurs. 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm; Wed. & Fri. 10:00 am to 12:00 noon; Sat. 9:00 am t0 2:00 pm. Contact Anita Muise at 603-522-6529 for more information.

Raffle Tickets Now On Sale

2011-07-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

Visit the Gafney Library on High Street in Sanbornville, New Hampshire to view the work of 57 local artists in this year's annual library fundraiser. The opening reception is Wednesday July 6th from 4 to 7. Stop by to meet the artists, enjoy some refreshments, and take a chance on your favorite. Tickets are $1. or 6 for $5.

The raffle drawing and "Chocolate Reception" will be Wednesday July 27th from 4 to 7. You do not have to be present at the drawing to win.

Peter Abate, fearless leader of The Art Group, did an outstanding job installing the show!

Art On The Lawn at Anita's Beads

2011-07-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

Members of The Art Group and The Plein Air Painters will be exhibiting original artwork on Saturday July 9th at Anita's Beads of Wakefield, New Hampshire. Art Group member Anita Muise is celebrating 15 years in business with "Art On The Lawn" at Anita's Beads at 2517 Wakefield Road (Rte. 153. Also featured will be jewelry, vintage items, and collectables. Please join us from 9 to 5. Contact Anita at 603-522-6529 for more information.

Summer 2011 Art at the Gafney

2011-06-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

There are 57 artists participating in this years fundraiser for the Gafney Library: Peter Abate, Madelyn Albee, George Bent, Bonnie Bergeron, Marion Blomster, Roy Blomster, Chris Bozuwa, Titia Bozuwa, Peggy Brewster, Joy Carnevale, Keith Carnevale, Kevin Carnevale, Judith Ciardi, Colina Cummings, Stephen Curtis, Martina Cyr, Robert Demario, Kiara Demontier, Ivy Demos, Mabel Doyle, Ken Eason, Craig Evans, Peggy Farrell, Bill Fein, Ron Fountain, JP Goodwin, Bob Gordon, Beverly Grant, David Haldeman, Daydre Hamilton, John Hildebrandt, Anne Hodge, Maggie Kennedy, Elaine Klement, Joe Klementovich, Rebecca Klementovich, Ladies of the Lake Quilting Guild, Elizabeth Lee, Sharon Lee, Arlene Leyare, Joy Loud, Linda Mannke, Anita Muise, Mikel O'Brien, Marie Palaima, Monique Pare, Shawn Pelech, Dawn Rancourt, Giannina Reilly, Norman Royle, Suze Shaw, Gabe Smith, Diana Hill Spaulding, Sharon Theiling, Frank Troiani, Lukas K. Weber, and Joyce Youngberg.

The opening reception will be Wednesday July 6th from 4-7 PM and the raffle drawing and chocolate reception (with fabulous goodies made by the Friends of the Library) is scheduled for Wednesday July 27th from 4-7 PM.

Art Run Amok

2011-05-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

Check out Peggy's photography at the Gafney Library now through June 30th. The Artist Reception will be Thursday, June 23rd from 5pm to 7 pm.

Eleven Artists Mix it Up!

2011-01-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

Eleven Artists Mix it Up! is an Art Group show running during the month of February 2011 at the Gafney Library in Sanbornville, New Hampshire. Participating members include: Peter Abate, Peggy Brewster, Kevin Carnevale, Mable Doyle, Ken Eason, JP Goodwin, Charles Kartsonis, Anita Muise, Shawn Pelech, Norman Royle, and Jill Vendituoli.

Everyone is invited to the Artists' Reception on Thursday February 17th from 5 to 7 PM. Light refreshments will be served.

The Art Group: Eleven Artists for November

2010-10-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Eleven members of The Art Group will be showing their work in North Conway, New Hampshire at the Mount Washington Valley Arts Association Art Center. Call MWVAA for more information and business hours: 603-356-2728.

Willowbrook Wine Tasting

2010-07-09T05:16:00.001-07:00

Poster design by Art Group member Peggy Brewster.

Art at the Gafney Throughout July

2010-07-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our fearless leader, Peter Abate, has outdone himself this year in organizing the Art at the Gafney fundraiser! Over 100 works of art by area artists are now on display.

Participating artists include: Peter Abate, Madelyn Albee, George Bent, George Blomster, Marion Blomster, Roy Blomster, Chris Bozuwa, Peggy Brewster, Joyce Carnevale, Keith Carnevale, Kevin Carnevale, Colina Cummings, Martina Cyr, Robert DeMario, Kiara DeMontier, Mable Doyle, Ken Eason, Bill Fein, Ron Fountain, J. P. Goodwin, Bob Gordon, Beverly Grant, David Haldeman, Daydre Hamilton, Ron Harrison, Beth Hoffer, Anne Hodge, Charles Kartsonis, Sharon Lee, Arlene Leyare, Anne Lively, Nahdia Lorden, Joy Loud, Anita Muise, Mikel O'Brien, Norma Panall, Shawn Pelech, Leia Pinnick, Dawn Rancourt, Giannina Reilly, Norman Royle, Suze Shaw, Gabe Smith, Diana Spaulding, Sharon Theiling, Frank Troiani, Sher Viles, Lukas K. Weber, Ruth Willet, and Joyce Youngerberg.

Summer 2010 Art at the Gafney

2010-06-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

We have 50 artists participating this year for the annual fundraiser for the Gafney Library so be sure to visit the library during the month of July and take a chance on winning your favorite!

Handcrafted Items from Recycled and Vintage Materials

2010-05-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Art Group member Dawn Rancourt will display her work at the Wakefield Marketplace this season under the name Aspen's Way. She is pictured above with Aspen and Ava. Here is Dawn's story about how Aspen's Way came to be:

Aspen and Ava arrived at Bright Hope Farm just about the time that my hair fell out. It was a muggy evening at about 9 p.m. I watched as the car pulled up into the driveway. My husband opened the door and Aspen leapt into my arms, knocking me on to the ground with the intent of applying multiple kisses. He and Ava were a distraction from my sorrow and the light I needed to walk me through another doorway where a new life began.

Throughout each and every chemo treatment, I toted this pink suitcase on wheels, full of projects to do while I was sitting in a recliner for up to three or four hours at a time. The doctors and nurses kept photographs of my dogs at their desks and even on their refrigerators at home; Aspen and Ava brought a little happiness into their lives as well.

Having HER2 breast cancer is not being "sick". It's a life altering experience. I've had plenty of opportunity to sit and think, plan projects while in an unsettled state of sleep and bully my way through limitations I never wanted to have. All of these projects were created with loved ones in mind and most were either hand-sewn, knitted or painted.

During this three year period of time, I've stock piled a mountain of sweet memories and a room full of vintage materials, donated to me from friends I'd met along the way. Being part of the Art Group allowed me to feel inclusive and to rebuild some of that self-esteem that I'd lost. There is nothing worse than loosing your hair and feeling like an outcast from community.

The items you'll see at Aspen's Way represent all of this and more. Most of the materials are recycled and/or vintage. The fabrics are 80% vintage. The clothing worn by the jointed, stuffed bears will be hand-sewn and vintage as well.

Aspen's Way is nostalgic of the path I began three years ago and with my participation in the Marketplace this year, will offer encouragement to my brothers and sisters struggling as I did and still do to an extent.

May Member News

2010-05-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Art Group member Peggy Brewster will be busy this month! Check out her photography at these two New England events.

For February at Gafney Library

2010-02-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a report from The Art Group's leader, Peter Abate about the February 2010 show at the Gafney Library on High Street in Sanbornville, New Hampshire:

Down at the Gafney Library in February we truly have something special going on. Our current exhibit of photographs by Berri Kramer of Maine, are a sample of her photographs she takes on her visits to South Africa helping to improve the lives of woman and children. She also works with children who have been orphaned due to AIDS, children who are running households with no parents. If you get a chance to visit the library this month you will be moved by the scenes she has captured and amazed at the work she does. On display are her book and related post cards. Berri also works with the Heartwood College of Art in Kennebunk. Pictured below is Berri holding her book followed by a brief description of her work related to this show. Please watch for the write up in the local papers.

There are few vehicles on the roads in Greytown, South Africa. Women carry wood and children haul water. There is silence and beauty that keeps you in the moment, but there is no escape from the hard reality of life in the third world.

I visit St. Mary’s Hospital every time I return to South Africa. In the palliative care ward I take photographs of loved ones and give them copies as soon as I’m able to get them printed. For many, it is the only photograph they will ever have to pass on to their families.

The women of Jabulani welcome me into their lives as if I have never been gone. I work in their sewing rooms and bake bread with them just to spend time in their presence. They are sisters in another world. Our language is in our eyes. Their strength and gracefulness have humble me everyday since I met them.

Kennebunk Portside Rotary partnered with Play Pumps of South Africa to bring water to three schools in Greytown. This was made possible with a matching grant from Rotary International. The students were so excited the day the bore holes were dug, they had to call school off for the rest of the day. These Pumps will serve over 2000 children and their families. The reliability of clean water is not only a huge health benefit, but allows girls to go to school, rather than fetch water all day. It is incredible to think that such a contribution could so dramatically change the way of life for so many people.

Celtic Visions

2010-01-27T14:22:00.001-08:00

The photographs of Peggy Brewster will be on display in Newburyport, Mass. through the month of February. Don't miss this show titled: Celtic Visions: Images of Ireland and Scotland. For more information contact Mable Doyle at the Bartlett Galleree at 978-463-3666.

Turquoise and Coral for Spring!

2010-01-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Shawn Pelech's new business card features the hot colors for 2010.

Five Artisans Home Show

2009-12-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

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

Shawn Pelech Open Studio

2009-11-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

An Art Collaboration

2009-11-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-30T04:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-23T04:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

Portland Show 2006

2009-04-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

Details on Art Fundraiser for the Gafney

2009-04-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

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.
This invitation is to all members of "The Art Group."
The event will be held at the Gafney Library during the month of July 2009.
Each artist will be asked to submit 2 pieces of art: one as a donation to the library and one for private sale.
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.
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.
Previous "Art in the Barn" artists and artists that have exhibited at the Gafney Library are also invited to participate.
The library currently has some previously donated works which will be added to the show.
Artists work will be dropped off at the Gafney on June 30, 2009 between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Raffle tickets will be sold during the month of July. Tickets purchased will be designated by number assigned to each of the donated artworks.
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.)
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

2009-04-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

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.
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.
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.
Each piece must be securely labeled with the artist's name, address, telephone number, title of work, medium and price (if for sale).
Each piece should not be larger than 20 by 24 inches. All works submitted must be ready to hang and must have adequate hardware.
The show coordinator reserves the right to refuse any art that does not meet these requirements.
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.
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.
All art selected will be exhibited through the summer; works sold will remain on display until the take down day.
Ten percent of each work sold will be contributed to the museum towards the fund-raising effort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Peter Abate for more information.