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Artscope Magazine | January/February 2022

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Visual Arts

Mystic as a Muse: 100 Years of Inspiration at the Mystic Arts Center

// Exhibits, News, Visual Arts

By Newlin Tillotson Mystic, CT- The Mystic Arts Center in the seaport town of Mystic, Conn. has had a long-standing history as an influential home for the arts. Its newest exhibition, “Mystic as a Muse: 100 Years of Inspiration,” explores a history that began with founder Charles Harold Davis, a landscape painter and impressionist, who settled along the Mystic River to capture the area’s marine beauty. The exhibit features work from the past 100 years up to the present day. The center perches on the edge of Mystic River and is just around the corner from the downtown shops. There are small boutiques, independent art galleries and jewelry stores, including The Art Garden, where visitors can find beads from around the world and a friendly pug named “Buddha.” At the top of the street, adjacent to the arts center, is the famous Mystic Pizza, the place Julia Roberts worked at as “Daisy” … [Read more...] about Mystic as a Muse: 100 Years of Inspiration at the Mystic Arts Center

Transformed Volumes at the Hera Gallery

// Exhibits, Visual Arts

By Newlin Tillotson Wakefield, RI - In “Transformed Volumes” at the Hera Gallery, the work of an artist is juxtaposed with the work of an author. Curated by Paul Forte, the exhibit includes six artists from around the country who work with books as a medium. Forte himself specializes in artist bookworks, and several of his pieces are on display, including “Map of Chaos,” a collage of a shredded atlas on canvas and “John Brown’s Body,” a book on a white pedestal that was unearthed after being buried in the ground for almost a year. Both pieces include details that add context to the work. “Map of Chaos” has jagged red, blue and green lines mixed throughout. Gallery director Dora Szekely said it reminds her of a T.V. gone static. Similarly, “John Brown’s Body” is weathered and worn from the elements; new roots are growing through the cover of the book. “Forte found it … [Read more...] about Transformed Volumes at the Hera Gallery

Supporting Actresses by Elibekian at Gallery Z Providence, Rhode Island.

Elibekians: Three Generations of Artists at Providence’s Gallery Z

// Exhibits, News, Visual Arts

By Newlin Tillotson Providence, RI - For the Elibekian family, artistic talent is a trait that is passed from one generation to the next. Vagharshag Elibekian, his son Robert and grandson Areg share an aptitude for painting and theater, fortes that have allowed them to capture cultural traditions, fantasy and beauty in their work. “Elibekians: Three Generations of Artists,” an exhibit that opened June 6 at Gallery Z in Providence, showcases paintings by each of the artists. Though the paintings are the work of three family members, the artists have their own distinct style, letting the work of each Elibekian stand on its own. Born in 1910 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Vagharshag worked as a director for Tbilisi’s Armenian Theatre and practiced painting. His work represents the traditions of Armenian culture and captures family values through portraits. “Armenian Family,” does just this … [Read more...] about Elibekians: Three Generations of Artists at Providence’s Gallery Z

Rachel Mello at Somerville Open Studios.

Cornered: Rachel Mello, Somerville Open Studios

// Exhibit Openings, Exhibits, News, Visual Arts

Somerville, MA - The Boston area will see a series of Open Studios Weekends in the month of May. Artscope managing editor Brian Goslow cornered Rachel Mello, Coordinator, Somerville Open Studios (May 4-5); to discuss event preparations, what makes the open studio experience special and what they offer to the arts community. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN OVERSEEING YOUR OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND? I am only serving as coordinator for one year, starting in May after SOS 2012, and finishing my term this May. Before that I served on the Board of Directors for two years. WHAT – OR WHOM – BROUGHT YOU ABOARD? Just wanting to be a part of SOS. I came to some volunteer meetings in 2007, after wanting to help for several years. Then I just kept getting more involved. WHAT DOES THE JOB ENTAIL? The SOS Coordinator oversees the event, manages budgeting and planning, keeps the various departments … [Read more...] about Cornered: Rachel Mello, Somerville Open Studios