The Bristol Art Museum will host the South Coast Artists (SCA) Members’ Invitational Exhibit, which showcases the diverse talents of its members, highlighting their unique perspectives and artistic expressions. This collaboration marks a notable milestone in celebrating the vibrant arts community of the South Coast region. SCA is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering art and creativity. The exhibit will be on display from Sun., Apr. 28, to Sat., May 25. An Artists’ Reception is scheduled for Sun., May 5, from 2 to 4 p.m., when the public is invited to engage with the artists and gain insights into their creative processes. "This collaboration between South Coast Artists and the Bristol Art Museum is an example of how the arts can flourish in Rhode Island and the neighboring coastal towns in Massachusetts through innovative collaboration,” said Stephen Remick, President of South Coast Artists. “Each year, we endeavor to provide an enriching experience for artists and art enthusiasts alike and we are confident that the selected works for this exhibit will achieve that goal. As a nonprofit organization that supports more than 170 members and serves as a multifaceted, educational resource in the community, this exhibit provides an exceptional platform to showcase our members' incredible talents." "The Bristol Art Museum is delighted to host this collaborative exhibition featuring some of the finest examples of art created by talented artists throughout the south coastal area,” said museum curator Mary Dondero. "This partnership with South Coast Artists underscores our commitment to showcasing local artistic talent and fostering a vibrant arts community in the region. This exhibit and collaboration aligns with our mission to encourage the creation, promotion, and appreciation of the arts through thought-provoking exhibits and educational opportunities.” South Coast Artists Members’ Invitational Exhibit is sponsored by Mott & Chase and Sotheby’s International Realty. Mass Cultural Council and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
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Barrington, Bristol and Riverside Artists Among Those Recognized BRISTOL, Rhode Island - The juror of, Hold Fast; Stay True!, an exhibit hosted in the Community Gallery of the Rogers Free Library and sponsored by the Bristol Art Museum today announced those artists whose work was recognized with distinction. The exhibit was launched in collaboration with the spring 2024 Bristol Bookfest. The exhibit, on view from Thurs., Mar. 28, to Wed., May 1, showcases a collection of visual art inspired by the timeless literary narrative Moby Dick. Art historian and the Douglas and Cynthia Crocker Endowed Chair for the Chief Curator and the Director of Museum Learning at the New Bedford Whaling Museum Naomi Slipp served as juror for the exhibit. “As a juror for this exhibition, I was excited to explore works of art inspired by or in conversation with this epic novel and its themes – as there are a million different ways it could be interpreted,” said Slipp. “Each artist thoughtfully responded with work that illustrates the multiplicities of Melville.” Best abstract interpretation is awarded to Pamela Seymour Smith Sharp of Bristol, for Magnanimity of the Sea, which evocatively expresses the mysterious depths of the open ocean, opacity of human emotions, and confusion of a whale harboring in the deep. “The white streaks, scratches, and blooms remind me of phantom marks, harpoon strike pathways, the squared jaw of a white sperm whale, and the ghostly animal fleeing into the dark water,” said Slipp. Most humorous work goes to Marc Jaffe, of Barrington, for Whale of a Spud, a simple charming piece that evokes joy in an unexpected place, indeed the littlest, most humble thing – the potato. “In this case, the spud naturally grew into what truly does resemble a chunky little whale with eye (ha!), smile, and tail. I had to smile!,” said Slipp. Best adherence to Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is awarded to Bonnie Jaffe, of Barrington for Whale Watch, a color photograph that lands the viewer inside the cavernous skull of an enormous sperm whale. “Disoriented at first, it takes a minute to gain your bearings and interpret the image,” said Slipp. “The porosity and cavities of bone, the forced perspective, and the contrast between shadow and highlight, eventually cohere into the upper jaw of a sperm whale and emphasize the creature’s size and power. As bone, it also points to themes in Moby-Dick about mortality – human and animal – and the central plot device, Ahab’s obsession to kill Moby-Dick.” Most whimsical interpretation is given to John Dykes, of Boston, Massachusetts, for WASNZ!, a visually arresting colorful work whose subject carries a sense of child-like innocence and flirts with danger. “Two small children have ignored a safety barrier, marked by a frustratingly indecipherable warning, and wandered out onto a narrow precipice in the sea,” said Slipp. “One flicks a fishing rod, the other swings a net into the air; both dance, totally care free. Above them leaps an enormous arcing sperm whale, water slicking from its body, its mouth an open toothy maw. Is it playing too, or does a more nefarious intent glint in its one visible eye?” Most whale-centric is awarded to Jennifer Wright, of Riverside, for Alaska Wildlife 4, a watercolor that evokes the elusiveness of wales, majestic creatures. “A quick glimpse of a tail, cascading with water; the fluke almost taking the shape of a bird in flight, the rest of the body lost underneath the still surface of the water, hidden and secret,” said Slipp. “The watercolor medium is used to spectacular effect, evoking the aqueous world of the whale and its ecosystem.” “Interpretations of the novel Moby DIck are myriad, perhaps infinite,” added Slipp. “It is a rich and rewarding read that speaks to the past and present; an all-encompassing epic, that grapples with responsibility, order, capitalism and greed, environmental devastation, masculinity, sexuality, obsession, religion and faith, race and imperialism, human nature, passion, animal sentience, and the natural order, among many, many other subjects.” As an accomplished art historian and Bristol native, Slipp's expertise lies in American art and the global circulation of knowledge. She holds a doctorate from Boston University and a master’s from the University of Chicago. Her impressive resume includes roles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, MFA Boston, Roger Williams University, Terra Foundation for American Art, Harvard Art Museums, and a tenured Associate Professor of Art History at Auburn University at Montgomery, AL. Her curator credits at the Whaling Museum include notable exhibitions such as Turn the Tide: Courtney Mattison (2021) and Re/Framing the View: Nineteenth-Century American Landscapes (2022). BRISTOL, RI - The Bristol Art Museum is pleased to announce an engaging lecture on the complex history of a stained glass window discovered in Warren.
In an interesting exploration of Rhode Island's historical and cultural tapestry, the "1877 Black Gospel Window Conversation" lecture will take place on Sun., Apr. 14, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Museum featuring lecturer Hadley Arnold, owner of the former St. Mark's Church, and Catherine Zipf, PhD, Director of the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society. BRISTOL, R.I. - The Bristol Art Museum announces a collection of artwork created by its members at the Blithewold’s art gallery: ‘Singular Focus: Bristol Art Museum Takes Root at Blithewold. Artists were asked to submit works of art that highlight the idea of singular focus within a composition. The exhibit, on display at Blithewold Mansion, 101 Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, is on view from Sat. Mar. 30 to Sun. May 12. An Artists’ Reception will take place on Sun. Apr. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. “Blithewold’s art gallery is a wonderful space to showcase the depth of talent and creativity of our member artists,” said Lynn Moran, Bristol Art Museum Board member. ”Through this exhibit, artists embrace the art of selective focus, using it as a tool to convey depth, emotion, and narrative.” Whether it's a lone figure against a nuanced backdrop or a distinct element standing out in a larger grouping—picture a solitary lilac bush amidst a field of daffodils or a lone shell on an expansive beach—artists were encouraged to explore the potency of composition. Submitted works include drawings, paintings, prints, collages, fiber art, photography, mixed media, and more. About the Bristol Art Museum (BAM): The Bristol Art Museum is dedicated to promoting the arts and fostering a vibrant cultural community in Bristol and beyond. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, BAM strives to inspire creativity and enrich lives. About Blithewold Mansion: Blithewold Mansion is a historic estate and arboretum located in Bristol, Rhode Island. Set amidst 33 acres of lush gardens and waterfront beauty, Blithewold offers a stunning backdrop for special events, educational programs, and cultural experiences. BRISTOL, Rhode Island - In collaboration with the spring 2024 Bristol Bookfest, The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library announce a new juried community exhibit - Hold Fast; Stay True - through which artists visually interpret the substance and themes of Moby Dick. The exhibit will showcase a collection of visual art inspired by the timeless literary narrative and be on display in the Community Gallery of the Library from Thurs., Mar. 28, to Wed., May 1. Art historian and the Douglas and Cynthia Crocker Endowed Chair for the Chief Curator and the Director of Museum Learning at the New Bedford Whaling Museum Naomi Slipp served as juror for the exhibit. Organizers of the 2024 Bristol Bookfest selected the American classic Moby Dick, written by Herman Melville, as their literary selection. According to the Bristol Bookfest, founders Joanna Ziegler and Charles Calhoun believed that the town of Bristol would enjoy a new community event during the late winter and early spring period. The organizers share that the Bookfest is not simply a book club, but rather an opportunity for individuals to gather and engage with college faculty with expertise in a particular field of study. “The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library are pleased to offer this juried community exhibit to complement the wonderful work of the Bristol Bookfest,” explained Vicky McGrath, Bristol Art Museum Board Member. ”This exhibit encourages a reflection on the primary themes of Moby Dick. We are proud of the response to the call for art for this exhibit which includes artistic interpretations of whaling, sea life, and all things nautical.” As an accomplished art historian and Bristol native, Slipp's expertise lies in American art and the global circulation of knowledge. She holds a doctorate from Boston University and a master’s from the University of Chicago. Her impressive resume includes roles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, MFA Boston, Roger Williams University, Terra Foundation for American Art, Harvard Art Museums, and a tenured Associate Professor of Art History at Auburn University at Montgomery, AL. Her curator credits at the Whaling Museum include notable exhibitions such as Turn the Tide: Courtney Mattison (2021) and Re/Framing the View: Nineteenth-Century American Landscapes (2022). As Spring Approaches, Artists Invited to Welcome the Infusion of Light and Color to Brighten their World BRISTOL, Rhode Island - The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library announce a call for art for a new juried community exhibit - A Glimmer of Light, A Splash of Color! - that invites artists to explore the transformative power of light and color against a backdrop of monotony, sparking the imagination and infusing life into the canvas. The exhibit will showcase a collection of visual art in the Community Gallery of the Library from May 13 to July 10. Artists and sculptor Kristin Street will serve as juror for the exhibit. Submissions are due by Apr. 22 at http://www.bristolartmuseum.org/call-for-art.html. Online registration will open soon. “A Glimmer of Light, A Splash of Color! encourages artists to break free from the monotony of winter and embrace the vibrant energy of spring,” said Vicky McGrath, Bristol Art Museum Board Member. “By incorporating one or two tones of a background of color and contrasting it with a splash of vivid hues, artists can explore the dynamic interplay between light and color, breathing life into their creations.” Street is an artist and educator with a rich background in the arts. Having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Textile Design from The Rhode Island School of Design and a Master of Fine Arts degree from The Maryland Institute College of Art, Street has made significant contributions to the arts community through teaching and promoting the works of fellow artists. Her expertise and passion for art promise to bring depth and insight to the selection process. “As an artist, I have dedicated my life to both creating art and fostering artistic communities, from founding the Krause Gallery to establishing The Mill Gallery in Pawtucket,” said Street. “Today, I find solace and inspiration in the serene landscapes of Foster, Rhode Island, and the sun-kissed shores of Palm Harbor, Florida, where I continue to weave my creative tapestry for the world to behold. Throughout my career, I have dedicated considerable time and energy to teaching and promoting the efforts of fellow artists, while maintaining a consistent exhibition schedule." All submissions must be made through the Bristol Art Museum website by Mon., Apr. 22. The exhibition welcomes a diverse range of artistic mediums, including drawing, Painting, printmaking, collage, fiber arts, and photography. However, please note that three-dimensional works will not be considered for this particular exhibit. Works cannot be larger than 18 inches by 24 inches and must be original. The Bristol Art Museum (BAM) is thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity for its artist members to exhibit their works at Blithewold’s art gallery. “Hosted at Blithewold, with its magnificent mansion and arboretum overlooking Narragansett Bay, this exhibit provides a unique setting for your work,” said Mary Dondero, Curator and Bristol Art Museum Board Member. “Recognizing the depth of talent among our members, we eagerly look forward to receiving their works of art and collectively celebrating each Museum’s artist member’s creativity.” Key Details:
Accepting Mediums: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Collage, Fiber Art, Photography, Quilling & Mixed Media. (Please note: No sculpture or video works at this time.) Submission Guidelines:
Join Us: Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to showcase your artwork in the historic setting of Blithewold Mansion. We look forward to celebrating the talent and creativity of our artist members. About Bristol Art Museum (BAM): The Bristol Art Museum is dedicated to promoting the arts and fostering a vibrant cultural community in Bristol and beyond. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, BAM strives to inspire creativity and enrich lives. About Blithewold Mansion: Blithewold Mansion is a historic estate and arboretum located in Bristol, Rhode Island. Set amidst 33 acres of lush gardens and waterfront beauty, Blithewold offers a stunning backdrop for special events, educational programs, and cultural experiences. Bristol Art Museum Invites Artists to Reflect On and Interpret the American Classic Moby Dick in Collaboration with the Bristol Bookfest In collaboration with the spring 2024 Bristol Bookfest, The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library announce a call for art for a new juried community exhibit - Hold Fast; Stay True - that invites artists to visually interpret the substance and themes of Moby Dick. The exhibit will showcase a collection of visual arts inspired by the timeless literary narrative and will be on display in the Community Gallery of the Library from Thurs., Mar. 28, to Wed., May 1. Art historian and the Douglas and Cynthia Crocker Endowed Chair for the Chief Curator and the Director of Museum Learning at the New Bedford Whaling Museum Naomi Slipp will serve as juror for the exhibit. “The title of this exhibit, Hold Fast; Stay True, encapsulates a nautical tenet urging individuals to secure themselves and stay the course amid a storm,” explained Vicky McGrath, Bristol Art Museum Board Member. “Artists are invited to delve into passages from Moby Dick, exploring and interpreting literal representations of this literary classic. The focus of this exhibit lies in visions associated with whaling, sea life, and all things nautical. Artists are encouraged to navigate towards a more esoteric view of obsession, unbridled vengeance, despair, or the descent into madness.” All submissions must be made through the Bristol Art Museum website by Mon., Mar. 4. Selected artists will receive notification via email no later than Sat., Mar. 9. The intake of accepted works will occur at the Library, lower level, on Sat., Mar. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., and Mon., Mar. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. For this exhibit, only drawings, paintings, printmaking, collage, fiber arts, or photography are accepted, and all submissions must measure 18 inches by 24 inches or smaller. All artwork must be original, and artists are welcome to make their work available for sale, with no commissions taken by the Museum or Library. As an accomplished art historian and Bristol native, Slipp's expertise lies in American art and the global circulation of knowledge. She holds a doctorate from Boston University and a master’s from the University of Chicago. Her impressive resume includes roles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, MFA Boston, Roger Williams University, Terra Foundation for American Art, Harvard Art Museums, and a tenured Associate Professor of Art History at Auburn University at Montgomery, AL. Her curator credits at the Whaling Museum include notable exhibitions such as Turn the Tide: Courtney Mattison (2021) and Re/Framing the View: Nineteenth-Century American Landscapes (2022). The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library announce a new juried, community exhibit in which artists share their seasonal interpretative work of chronological, emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, or spiritual seasons. Art For All Seasons is on view in the Community Galleries of the Library until Fri. Feb. 23, 2024. Impressionist artist Stephanie Stroud served as juror for the exhibit. “As an artist myself, I have an awareness of how different works of art can appear when viewed on a screen versus in person, and this experience has only confirmed for me how important it is to see art in person,” said Stroud. “Nuance, scale, texture and color can only truly be conveyed live which made choosing works to be recognized in person so important. I particularly enjoyed my time at the Community Gallery at Rogers Free Library viewing the works and the experience of jurying this exhibit and am grateful to have been asked.” Rhode Island artists whose artwork was recognized as a ‘Work of Distinction’ in this exhibit include Wendy Anctil, Riverside; Dianne Burns, Seekonk, MA; Bonnie Jaffe, Barrington; Pat Warwick, Warren; Carolyn Winter, Bristol; and Jennifer Wright, Riverside. The writings of Henry David Thoreau and poet, philosopher, songwriter and philanthropist Gugu Mona influenced the exhibit’s theme. Thoreau once wrote, “ Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” Mona wrote, “Each season is unique yet so important, so cherish the seasons in your life.” Both of these writers reflect upon how the different seasons influence their unique perspectives on life. Through this exhibit, artists are invited to do the same.” Stroud earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design where she majored in illustration. A fiber artist who “paints with wool,” she creates impressionistic felted paintings inspired by nature. Primarily a landscape artist, Stroud is inspired by the variation in landscape that the world around us offers. Stroud exhibits her work at regional art shows including the South Coast Artists Open Studio Tour. She is a Custom Framing Designer at Riverside Art in Somerset Massachusetts and is currently the Membership Chair for South Coast Artists. The Bristol Art Museum announces its next exhibit, Breadth & Depth: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, a national juried exhibit that challenges conventional boundaries through which 51 artists from 18 states, express ideas about the natural world. The exhibit is on view from Sun., Feb 4 through Sun. Mar. 24, Thursday to Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. An Artist Reception is scheduled for Sun., Feb. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Karen Drysdale Harris, a Jamaican-born watercolorist and oil painter based in Rhode Island, served as juror for the exhibit. Artwork in Breadth & Depth relates to one or more of the elemental themes of earth, water, air or fire that express the artists’ emotion and perception. Artists explore symbolism, textures, colors, and conceptual interpretations that evoke the essence of these elements. “This exhibit ventures into the intricate interplay between the elemental forces of nature and the profound depths of human consciousness,” shared Mary Dondero, Curator and Museum Board Member. “Artists selected for this exhibit were challenged to push the limits of artistic expression and embrace the tactile experience. The result is a national exhibit of artists from around the country that explores the natural world." The exhibit also features work by Stephanie Stroud in the Museum’s Brick Gallery. Complementing the primary exhibit, Stroud describes her work as “influenced by the variation in nature and landscape that New England offers.” She is an artist who works in fiber and felted wool. Drysdale Harris attended Rhode Island School of Design where she earned her BFA. Her primary sources of inspiration are nature and the memory of her Jamaican roots. Her work strives to express both the colors and the gentle quiet of the Caribbean. Drysdale Harris is particularly interested in how her lost memories can be triggered by nature. She has been featured in So, So Rhode Island and the Providence Monthly Magazine and was awarded first place at the 34th Annual Rhode Island Open at the Warwick Center for Arts. Drysdale Harris attended I-Park Foundation’s artist residency and was recently featured in GoLocalProv.com’s Inside Art with Michael Rose. Harris has been featured in several solo and group exhibitions including The Black Biennial at the RISD Museum, the Green Spadec Gallery at TF Green Airport, Sutton Gallery, Cheshire Academy, Imago Foundation for the Arts, AS220, BankRI Turks Head Gallery, and Johnson Wales University Bridge Center Gallery along with multiple group shows throughout Rhode Island, Maine, and Connecticut. |