REVIEW NEW MEMBERS EXHIBITION: CURTIS HANSON AND MICHAEL GRAVES GUILD OF BOSTON ARTISTS 162 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MA OCTOBER 7 - 28 by Beth Neville The 125-year-old tradition of American impressionism lives on in the oil paintings of Michael Graves, newly elected member of the Guild of Boston Artists. In keeping with impressionism’s emphasis on outdoor scenery, Graves paints lush summer landscapes, frosty winter snow banks, and sailboats’ crisp white sails against the blue White Mountains. His work, of excellent technical quality, will further enhance the Guild of Boston Artists’ reputation as must-see gallery for leading artists of the plein air movement, the more modern name for “impressionism.” This October, Graves’ works will be displayed alongside those of Curtis Hanson in the Guild of Boston Artists’ New Members Exhibition in its President’s Gallery. Three of … [Read more...] about THE GREAT OUTDOORS: NEW MEMBERS AT THE GUILD OF BOSTON ARTISTS
Visual Arts
YOU DON’T SAY?: COMING TOGETHER AT CHAZAN
REVIEW IT’S WHAT YOU DON’T SAY: AN EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY JACQUELINE OTT, LISA PEREZ AND SEAN RILEY CHAZAN GALLERY AT WHEELER 228 ANGELL STREET PROVIDENCE, RI OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 8 by Suzanne Volmer During the past year, as a conscious step to break the isolation of studio practice and perhaps informally give a nod to the concept of a kinder, friendlier Rhode Island, Jacqueline Ott, Lisa Perez and Sean Riley — and a few other artist friends — decided to meet regularly to discuss their work. The meetings led to the proactive step taken by the three artists mentioned to apply together for a group exhibition at Chazan Gallery, which advertises its open call for artists every two years. Most often, those selected are not unknown to the jurors, who with this knowledge create informed pairings. In this case, Ott, Perez and Riley had an idea of correspondence they … [Read more...] about YOU DON’T SAY?: COMING TOGETHER AT CHAZAN
EYES WIDE OPEN: CELEBRATING WOMEN AT THOMPSON GALLERY
REVIEW CYNTHIA ATWOOD: ALPHABET OF WEAPONS THOMPSON GALLERY CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF WESTON 45 GEORGIAN ROAD, WESTON, MA SEPTEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 15 by Lisa Mikulski In a celebration of New England women artists, the Thompson Gallery at The Cambridge School of Weston presents “Eyes Wide Open,” a four-part series of exhibitions that will run throughout its 2017-18 school year. The first exhibition, “Alphabet of Weapons,” opening September 8, will showcase the work of Cynthia Atwood. Composed of 26 pieces, Atwood’s “Alphabet” explores the psychological, emotional and interpersonal ways a society does harm and how that harm is learned and internalized. In exploring and presenting basic human feelings, Atwood’s body of work is grounded in feminist ideology and makes visible the concerns and fears of human beings by turning interiorized emotions inside out. She does this by of … [Read more...] about EYES WIDE OPEN: CELEBRATING WOMEN AT THOMPSON GALLERY
WALK OF LIFE: VAUGHAN OLIVER AT LESLEY
COVER STORY VAUGHAN OLIVER: WALKING BACKWARDS LUNDER ARTS CENTER, LESLEY UNIVERSITY 1801 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE CAMBRIDGE, MA SEPTEMBER 5 - OCTOBER 22 by Lisa Mikulski There is a good amount of graphic design work that reveals itself as being quite pedestrian. And then there is the work that elevates the field and serves to inspire not only the design community, but the target audience — the consumer — as well. The work of legendary designer Vaughan Oliver reminds me why I love graphic design: it’s wizardry. Elegant and message-honored, Oliver’s work is known for its emotional and ethereal quality. His influence has inspired not only graphic designers, but also fashion designers, advertising creatives, music journalists and film directors. Vaughan Oliver has enjoyed a 35-year career as an art director, designer and typographer. He built his reputation on … [Read more...] about WALK OF LIFE: VAUGHAN OLIVER AT LESLEY
Outdoor Sculpture Takes Over Olmstead Firm-Designed Grounds in Newton Mass
By Paul Angiolillo If the site is appealing, I’ll travel almost anywhere to show my outdoor sculptures (okay, a modest stipend doesn’t hurt). But it’s a boon when the place is closer to home. I was pleased, then, to be selected to participate in a temporary exhibit (through Labor Day) on the grounds around City Hall in Newton Mass., just a couple of miles from my home and studio. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit. (It’s right on Commonwealth Ave., a.k.a., the Boston Marathon route into the city, and just across from main library.) The grounds themselves might qualify as environmental art. Designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, the 10-acre parcel of land, which completely surrounds the city hall and war memorial building, comprises a sweeping lawn, a tree-lined pond, two stone bridges and many other small green spaces and copses. It would make a great setting for any … [Read more...] about Outdoor Sculpture Takes Over Olmstead Firm-Designed Grounds in Newton Mass
Together We Stand, Divided We Fall Venice Biennale 2017 Arte Viva Arte
By Nancy Nesvet Venice, Italy - Bringing awareness to political and environmental crises and uniting the world’s artists in proposals for humanity’s and the earth’s survival, the Venice Biennale 2017 might be the most important art exhibition ever. Harold Rosenberg famously said that art is about events. This Biennale addresses current events while posing fundamental questions regarding the role of art and art-making. Is it a journalistic report and analysis of events, or an illusory view of what might be, could be, has been or is? This Biennale includes all of this: including beautiful and threatening nature, environmental disasters and the danger for refugees traveling upon the open seas, while optimistically providing solutions to potentially disastrous situations. Christine Macel, curator of the Venice Biennale 2017, implores that this Biennale is for and by artists. Its … [Read more...] about Together We Stand, Divided We Fall Venice Biennale 2017 Arte Viva Arte