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The new art show being hung at the Winchester Public Library this week might be an annual event, but this year it comes with a twist.
“We wanted to honor the 175th anniversary of Winchester,” said Trish Gannon, a Winchester Artist Network member and participating artist.
Gannon also serves on the town’s Cultural Council, which is where she got the idea for this year’s theme, which she admitted was a little different.
“I think people were embracing it, though,” she said.
Of the 25 pieces, Gannon said most depict Winchester in one way or another, but not all. To capture a connection from everyone, however, Gannon said they asked each of the 18 participating artists to write a personal statement describing either how their piece relates to Winchester or how they do as an artist.
Gannon said many of the artists speak of the inspiration they feel from the natural beauty of the local gardens, parks and wooded areas.
“Nature around Winchester has always provided me with inspiration to capture the essence of the fleeting moment and to represent these abstract lines, colors and structures,” said Elizabeth Hardjono, a watercolor painter.
For painter Rose Walsh-Cooke, the downtown is her muse.
“Winchester continues to inspire me and I have painted a few local scenes over the years,” she said.
The work on view will include oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, photography, textiles, woodblock print, collage and mixed media. Gannon said they’ll be hung in several different areas of the library including the main lobby, the conference room off that lobby and the stairwell.
“We have a great partnership with the library,” she said.
Participating artists include, Theodore Cantrell, Diane Davies, Fenway Fan, David Feigenbaum, Elizabeth Hardjono, Thomas Hardjono, Mary Hummon, David Hummon, Ruth Lieberherr, Deb O’Brien, Jay Sullivan, Cristy Walsh, Rose Walsh-Cooke, Martina Werner, John M. Williams, Meg Steele Wingerath and Kiyomi Yatsuhashi, as well as Gannon.
“I am constantly inspired by the depth of talent in Winchester,” Gannon said.
While the show goes up May 1, the official opening reception is Saturday, May 3, from 3-5 p.m. and everyone is welcome. The show runs through the month of May.
Gannon said visitors will have the chance to meet some of the artists and if you fall in love with a piece, information regarding purchasing the artwork directly from the artist is available via exhibit lists at the Library Circulation Desk and at the Lobby Display Case.
Gannon said she’s hoping for a good turnout.
“You never know, there are a lot of competing events and it’s a busy time of year,” she said. “But the show will be up for a month and it’s an active time … so I think a lot of people will be in and out and interested to see it.”
For more information on the Winchester Artists Network, click here.
