In her exhibition statement, curator Crystalle Lacouture identifies the Concord Center for the Visual Arts, which occupies the former John Ball house built before the American Revolution, as a fitting location for her “Homages” exhibition, noting that, “This building welcomed Minutemen and Modernists alike.” The works in the show represent memorials, with references to masters in the arts to feminists in the vanguard, to shared stories and quotidian household objects and their uses and users. The variety of media and interpretations of the theme provided by the 17 participating artists is a reason to visit, as there are no two alike. Lacouture has chosen a chorus of unique voices to sing this anthem of connection. Her own work and statement are worthy of the visit alone. Her “Mama” series is heart-stopping. Sunny drawings, like Amish barn decorations, are on target paper. If you look … [Read more...] about ECHOES AND INFLUENCES

The capturing of an “ephemeral garden” is an elusive proposition, one that the eclectic practice of Jenine Shereos harnesses in her exhibition at the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The artist grasps the wind-blown wisps of scattered natural debris, magnetizing strands of energy and decay into focused individual projects that mirror time’s passing and life abounding. The only attempt she makes to pull ephemeral events out of the ether comes in the form of photography, in which they are catalogued and studied, reflected on and understood. Shereos attributes these projects to a “collaboration with nature,” rather than documentation, a process of becoming, rather than only observing. Growing up in urban and suburban areas in Illinois, the artist sought out nature from a very early age, describing herself as the child who could be found “braiding grass at recess,” … [Read more...] about A GARDEN IN THE BERKSHIRE

Long a part of our retail shopping experience, mannequins have been used as models for the latest clothing trends as well as, more recently, become a symbol to represent our more robotic ways of everyday life, especially in an age where cellphones have become extensions of our bodies. “Mannequin,” a collaborative exhibition by Clark University students Dante Diez, Simon Pinchbeck and Hoang Truongat the Harold Stevens Gallery at WCUW, combines photography, video and sculpture to examine how modern human identity is being shaped by digital technologies. Through their immersive works, the three artists have teamed up to explore how our digital culture has influenced our behavior, perception and self-understanding of life, blurring the line between authenticity and imitation. “When we looked across all of our individual works, we noticed a theme of imitation, artificiality, and the … [Read more...] about WE ARE ALL MANNEQUINS

In stark contrast to the 250th anniversary of America art exhibitions which dominate the art world this year, “Of All the Worlds We Could Have Dreamed” is a distinct diversion from that theme. Be ready to be introduced to a multi-layered, creative experience. The artist. The “story.” The subject. The execution. All are unexpectedly delightful, different and distinctive. Enter Sam (Samantha) Modder, a 31-year-old Dartmouth grad who earned her BA in studio art and engineering, then went on for her MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. She is currently an assistant professor of art and design at the University of Tampa. Working across pen, collage and digital media, Modder’s process begins with large, labor-intensive ball point pen drawings. “The ball point pen drawings are usually larger than life in size,” Modder said. “I scan the drawings at high resolution and then collage them … [Read more...] about THE STORY OF 100 HAIR TIES

ClipArt Gallery at Clippership Wharf in East Boston mirrors the contemporary future-forward intentions of the complex, hosting art exhibitions in an open and airy space. The combination of pristine walls and brick work allows a partnership of textural variety. Found within the greater community of apartment buildings and retail establishments situated in a coveted spot on the waterfront, the gallery is available to both residents and the public, the latter invited in limited hours. The complex also hosts two outdoor public sculptures, meant to incorporate into the design of the grounds as well as the view of the harbor. The ClipArt space is managed by the long existing Atlantic Works Gallery in East Boston, with members curating exhibitions on a rotating basis. When artist and curator Dominick Takis learned of his upcoming opportunity to curate, he immediately thought of artist Erica … [Read more...] about A PLAY OF MEDIUMS