Ah…Autumn! Photograph by Barbara Pease Huntoon of Chester
SOUTHWICK – An immersion of the arts took place last weekend at the 14th Annual Fine Art Exhibition.
The annual show, hosted by the Southwick Cultural Council, was held at Southwick Town Hall Auditorium May 4 and May 5.
Cultural Council member Ellen Miles said the event went well.
“The show was attended by all age groups from seniors to school children. The children, in particular, were very proud to show their parents and family their artistic efforts as displayed in the student art area,” said Miles. “Many of these families took the time to view the juried art in the gallery and the historical demonstrations.”
As always, the juried exhibition featured varied mediums from some of the area’s premier artists.
Paintings, sculptures, woodcarvings and more were part of the show this year. Demonstrators offered a glimpse into their crafts, including stained glass creations by Glass Visions; chair caning and basket weaving by The Seat Weaver; quilting by Carol Geryk and Maria Gallo; a watercolor workshop for children by Samantha Guilbert; wood craft by Tom Huntoon Rustics; jewelry making by Trudy Monson, and spinning by Cathy Blackwell. A 1917 Tuttle Circular Sock Knitter was displayed by Seth Blackwell. There was also a garden railroad display by Dean Sleeper. And for the first time, live entertainment took place on stage.
“This year we will actually be able to use the stage since the lighting and sound system were installed,” said Cultural Council Chairperson Susan Kochanski before the event.
The Charlie Galvin Band, of Westfield, performed their Blues-folk music and the K Street Saxophone Quartet of Turners Falls also took the stage.
With so much happening, the exhibition is not your typical gallery show.
“It’s not just a static show – it’s an event,” said Kochanski.
Perennial favorite artists were among the 40 artists displaying their works last weekend. Among them was Marie Flahive, a Westfield artist who has exhibited all 14 years and was instrumental in starting the show.
Another person who helped launch the exhibit was former Southwick art teacher Don Desmond. Desmond displayed a sculpture this year.
“It was phenomenal,” said Miles, who is already preparing for next year’s 15th annual show. “This year’s sales were great and participation from artists and attendees surpassed last year.”
