By Suzanne Volmer Boston, MA - From the dusty landscape of the Big Dig, the SoWa Art+Design District emerged as an accessible phenomenon to become the ‘it” location for contemporary art galleries in Boston. SoWa is buzzing on First Friday when galleries have their openings from 5-9 p.m. The public is, of course, welcome during other stated business days; however, First Fridays have a nice block party vibe that is sophisticated and bohemian, with evenings that are fun with family and friends, solo or as a date night activity. Harrison Avenue’s Thayer Street block is a pedestrian promenade pinched between two nearly identical buildings numbered 450 and 560 Harrison Avenue. The promenade stretches straight through to Albany Street. It is landscaped to create a sense of place framing architectural characteristics like spatial openness, which is achieved by a subterranean undercut to … [Read more...] about SOWA FALL PREVIEW: CHANGES IN THE AIR
Exhibits
SWEETS FOR THE SWEET: NOT JUST DESSERTS IN SHELBURNE
FEATURED MUSEUM SWEET TOOTH: THE ART OF DESSERT SHELBURNE MUSEUM 6000 SHELBURNE ROAD, SHELBURNE, VT SEPTEMBER 23 - FEBRUARY 18 by Elayne Clift Don’t go hungry to the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education’s Murphy Gallery at Vermont’s Shelburne Museum between September 23 and February 18. That’s when a whimsical and somewhat decadent ode to America’s appetite for tasty confections will be on display, with pieces ranging from wildly decorated shoes to chocolate sculptures and tongue-in-cheek food installations involving everything from licorice to sugar cubes. Paintings, sculptures and ceramics add to the potpourri of art that head curator Kory Rogers said offers deeper meaning about our history and culture. While the work of both international and local artists using dessert-themed mixed media will offer a feast for the eyes and often a good chuckle, it also will … [Read more...] about SWEETS FOR THE SWEET: NOT JUST DESSERTS IN SHELBURNE
EXPLORING ABSTRACTION: POGOR AT COLO COLO
FEATURED ARTIST ELIZABETH POGOR COLO COLO GALLERY 101 WEST RODNEY FRENCH BOULEVARD NEW BEDFORD, MA THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30 by Brian Goslow Elizabeth Pogor has spent a good part of her summer creating many of the paintings that will be on display in her first exhibition of oil paintings at New Bedford’s Colo Colo Gallery through the end of September. She received the show through old-fashioned networking with a modern twist. Pogor sent a private message and an image to Luis Villanueva, owner and director of Colo Colo Gallery, through the gallery’s Facebook Page, request-ing that he visit her website to review her work. “I did and I liked what I saw,” he said, “and we made an appointment for her to see my gallery.” He found she complemented his existing artist roster. “The gallery has nine years of history in promoting women artists with talent,” Villanueva said. “She is a … [Read more...] about EXPLORING ABSTRACTION: POGOR AT COLO COLO
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