Donald Saaf knew at an early age, while drawing comic books with his siblings, that he wanted to be an artist. He began painting as a teen and later moved from Hartford to Boston, where he studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. A year in Mexico on a travel scholarship, living with indigenous people in a small village with his wife — painter Julia Zanes — led to a show at the Clark Gallery in Lincoln, Massachusetts that launched his career. Now his work is widely exhibited in galleries, museums and private collections in New England and beyond as Saaf, who lives in Marlboro, Vermont, divides his time between painting, teaching, illustrating children’s books, carving stone and playing music. Saaf’s work reflects his strong interest in the intersectionality of fine art and folk art. Both forms find their way into his paintings reflecting community, people and experience. … [Read more...] about Donald Saaf: Fine Art Meets Folk Art
Mitchell-Giddings Fine Arts
BRATTLEBORO: FINE ARTS, FOOD AND FUN
It’s always a good idea to spend time perusing the art scene in Brattleboro, Vermont. For an especially serendipitous stroll, pay a visit on the “First Friday” of every month, when the town is alive with artists and aficionados and numerous galleries and cafés are even livelier than usual. Here’s a sample of venues on Main Street alone, along with featured artists during June’s First Friday. Starting at Main and High Streets, a first stop is Mitchell-Giddings Fine Arts. Opened four years ago by the husband-and-wife team of Petria Mitchell and Jim Giddings — both painters — the gallery began with works by seven local artists. Today it features contemporary art and sculpture by more than two dozen artists who reside regionally and beyond. A solo artist is usually featured for six weeks. June’s exhibition showcased Bruce Campbell’s kinetic wire sculptures, inspired, the artist notes, by … [Read more...] about BRATTLEBORO: FINE ARTS, FOOD AND FUN