A REFLECTION OF THE TIMES

The much-anticipated Members’ Exhibition, on view at Attleboro Arts Museum through January 27, is an annual event that provides an opportunity for members of all ages and artistic backgrounds to exhibit up to three artworks with guaranteed inclusion. Always an interesting percolation of ideas and trends, the current iteration of the survey includes 411 artworks by 201 artists. 2023 happens to be Attleboro Arts Museum’s 100th Anniversary and the Members’ Exhibition is certainly a signature event to begin an auspicious year.

Zachary M. White, executive director of Gallery X in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was the awards juror for the show. His choices followed the museum’s template of Best Abstract ($100), Best Representational ($100), six Juror’s Awards ($50 each), four Blick Materials Awards ($50 value each) and 12 Merit Awards (certificates). Reinforcing these honors, in her remarks at the show’s opening, Attleboro Arts Museum Director Mim Brooks Fawcett recognized all recipients by name.

Although the currents of this show shift annually, it always seems to insightfully reflect the times, which is the primary feature that makes this exhibition so interesting. Fawcett, with her installation team at the ready, expertly knits individual artworks into a sense of cohesive relationship. Specifically, her attention to detail at the outset helps audiences to experience the exhibition seemingly without effort despite moving through vast content. The exhibit functions like a picture frame enhancing information and delivering that material in a very relatable fashion.

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