The Marion Art Center was packed with members and their families and friends who came to see the “Members Show” on Friday night. The biennial event allows members of the Art Center to submit two pieces of art to be displayed in the galleries both upstairs and downstairs. The theme this year was “Art on the Water,” with each piece featuring a boating, harbor, lighthouse, birding, seashell, jetty, island, cottage, vernal pool or beach scene. Other pieces featured sailboats, dolphins, and waterfront and marsh scenes.
“We’ve got 80 works of art by 40 artists,” said Deb Bokelkamp, Executive
Director of the MAC. The exhibit includes collages, watercolors, oil paintings, pastels, mixed media, acrylic and photography. The show runs through September 28.
The opening, which ran from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, had a constant flow of people coming and going, with the opportunity to meet the artists. When a piece was purchased, the owner was given an orange dot to place near the artwork to show it was sold. Artist Karilon Grainger was thrilled to see that her oil painting titled “Blue Boat at Bardens” was sold.
“I asked who bought it, because I wanted to meet the person,” Grainger said.
Joan Gardner was the purchaser, and she and Grainger chatted a while as Grainger spoke about the scene and how she was inspired to paint it.
“Look at where we live: It’s so beautiful and it’s reflected in this incredible art,” said Shelly Richins, a member of the MAC Board of Directors, who helped serve the appetizers and other goodies offered to attendees.
The pieces ranged in price from $95 to $1,900, with the average price being in the $250 to $350 range. “This is affordable, high-quality art,” Bokelkamp said. “There is something here for everyone.”
In addition to the art at the MAC, five pieces of art are on display in the window of the Marion General Store on Front Street. Those pieces are also for sale.
The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, call the MAC at 508-748-1266.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
