A wonderful thing is happening in the Tri-Town area: ART, as in lots and lots of truly spectacular visual art of varying genres. Just zipping around the immediate area, one can take in paintings, etchings, pottery and photography by artists of exceptional skill and talent.
Presently, there are three exhibits well worth the five-minute drive or easy walk to the venues; two are located in Marion. Both are exhibits demonstrating the versatility, technical expertise and keen eye for composition needed for the art of photography.
At the Elizabeth Taber Library, you’ll find the joyful, soulful, photographic images of dogs as seen through the lens of Jennifer Carrolle. Interested in photography her whole life, it took a series of life changes and the help of supportive friends and like-minded artists for Carrolle to begin taking what had been a hobby to the next level.
Carrolle said that her work as a professional dog walker inspired her to capture canine images, including senior pets nearing the end of life. Her walking clients became the first dogs that she experimented photographing and learning the craft, including the all-essential, post-production work. “Anyone can take a picture; it’s the post-production work that makes the difference.”
Being an artist of any stripe is one thing, being able to market one’s work is another. Carrolle is learning the business side of photography now. “I just decided to go for it, make it to the other side,” she said. It was like jumping off a cliff to try and make it as a photographer, said Carrolle, but the joy in her voice speaks volumes of what it means to her professionally.
Over at the Cushing Community Center, home to the Marion Council on Aging, the incomparable Mary Ross has brought together a group of photographers in the first show of its type at the venue. Ross, whose own artistic endeavors are highlighted by her collages of white birch and mermaids, is also an enthusiastic promoter of other peoples’ works.
In this exhibit, the photographers have taken postproduction to a high level, including printing on canvas as if the piece were painted. Featured works have been composed by Joanne Jack, Darla Parsons, Peggy Totten, Susan Hovasse and Dannie Enguret.
The Mattapoisett Library has been featuring artists for some time now, and the latest exhibit is another outstanding example of just how marvelous human, creative expression can be.
Amy Thurber has worked in nearly all visual-art styles. Thurber studied illustration at Rhode Island School of Design, has studied in Rome and spent time researching medieval art. For the last 20 years, she has focused on pottery, using the hand-building technique that does not utilize a potter’s wheel.
The pieces on display at the library include everything from buttons to bowls. On many works, Thurber has used leaves, flowers and vines to create a sculptured appearance. There is even trompe l’oeil (fool the eye) featuring asparagus and pea pods. To say her work is informed by nature is an understatement.
Patrons can meet Thurber when she demonstrates some of her techniques at the library on Sunday, November 6, between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
Rochester’s COA walls feature local artists’ paintings, not to be overlooked for their execution and themes. Stay tuned as both the Taber Library and Mattapoisett Library plan future exhibits bringing art to our neighborhoods.
And one more thing, there is still time to take in the Marion Art Center’s latest exhibit featuring work done by Betty Parson, now through October 28.
Art Showcase
By Marilou Newell