Cara Spilsbury
April 12, 2007 06:00 am
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TOPSFIELD -- This month, the walls of the Topsfield Town Library will come alive with the bright, primary colors of six local artists in an exhibit called Making Art.
The vibrant pallet of acrylics, watercolors, pastels, sculpture, and fabric have created a multimedia show that the Library Art Advisory Committee hopes will draw in townspeople of all ages.
"It's a nice way to come in and widen your horizons," said Joan Panella, a featured artist in this month's exhibit and a member of the Library Art Advisory Committee. "You can have a visual experience while taking out a book."
On April 14, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the public is invited to a reception at the library where they can meet the artists behind this month's show and enjoy some refreshments. The event will take place in the library's meeting room.
The exhibit got its name from the wide range of artistic styles featured, as well as from the diverse media that each of the artists used in creating their finished products.
"We all approach (art) a little differently," Panella said.
The inspiration for much of the show came from David Hockney, a British pop artist from the 1960s, and his colorful painting "Garrowby Hill." The work, on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, features a winding, hilly country road and tracks of farmland in bright hues. The colors used by this month's artists key in on some of Hockney's style, as well as highlight the sunny summer weather on the horizon.
"Some of the acrylic paintings are very bright," Panella said. "They loved (Hockney's) painting. It inspired them to get their paints out and get to work."
Each month, the Topsfield Library has a featured art exhibit in support of the Library Art Advisory Committee's goal of bringing art to public places.
The library has had so much response from potential exhibitors, that the schedule for this year is completely booked up. The library's executive director, Jackie White, has already begun planning for 2008.
"It's open to people with a talent who want to share it," Panella said.
Previous exhibits have included children's art, a look back in history by the Topsfield Historical Society, and the works of individuals with physical and developmental disabilities from the North Shore ARC in Danvers.
"It's worth looking through the door," Panella said of the library's art programs. "It doesn't take that long."
For more information about being a featured artist at the Topsfield Town Library, contact Jackie White, executive director, at 978-887-1528.
Meet the Artists behind Making Art
Nancy Babson, Topsfield, acrylics: Her landscapes have won recognition and major awards in Newburyport Art Association shows, including the 2004 Mary Alice Arekelian Award for Best of Show.
Libby Bourquin, Concord, acrylics: Her paintings are said to highlight her love and enthusiasm for nature. She is a member of the Weaver's Guild and the Boston Printmakers. She has also taught art at Milton Academy.
Rosie Corey, Concord, weaving: She is a member of the Weaver's Guild of Boston, and has chosen bright primary colors for her woven works in this show.
Jean Allen, Melrose, pastels and watercolors: Her works use more gentle colors to depict nature. She is a member of the Reading and Newburyport Art Associations, and has won several awards, including Best of Show at Hamilton-Wenham.
Louise Knight, Topsfield, quilting: She has created wall hangings she says show her love of beautiful fabrics.
Joan Panella, Topsfield, sculpture: She enjoys the challenge of her craft, and usually focuses in stone or clay. Her other passion is promoting art in public places throughout her community.
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