People are resistant to change. Who likes change? We know the philosophy behind it — we don’t grow without change.
It happens in the art world too. Making the shift to something different can be risky. Artists may be known for a certain look — their “signature” look. But rather than be stuck in a rut, many do take the risk, and go for a different medium. Or expand their colorways. Or move across the country and find the landscape that’s new to them and stimulating to their growth. And so it is with galleries, museums and regional art movements.
There is a subtle movement in the arts on the Seacoast of New Hampshire and southern Maine where artists, gallerists, curators and commercial venues are trying to build a thriving, exciting art community. And undoubtedly, that includes change. Like what is occurring at the 100 Market Gallery, an alternative art venue. It’s a new twist on an old theme. A gallery in hallways. Not conventional, but fresh and innovative.
The show currently on exhibition at the 100 Market Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, “From the Gardens of France to the Shores of Maine,” is an example of doing it differently. The gallery isn’t typical. The show is mounted on walls on four levels of hallways that also flank professional offices and chi-chi retail stores. But you know what? It works. So, the building owner and the gallerist have used the generous wall space to display art — it’s a creative and cooperative arrangement.
As you enter the space, you’re on a marble landing. Down the stairs to the right is Springer’s Jewelers and numerous pieces of art mounted on the walls. If you look up and take the stairs to the left, a long galley walkway is replete with captivating, luminous large works. These pieces were created by Susan Wierzba of York, Maine.