WESTFIELD – A lifelong love of painting by a Westfield native is currently on view at the Jasper Rand Art Gallery at the Westfield Athenaeum.
Oil paintings by the late Edward Mead, a prolific landscape painter whose career spanned more than six decades, can be seen this month during regular library hours. Mead was also well-known in the region for his plein air paintings.
Local artist and instructor Richard Nowak spent countless Saturday afternoons with other students taking classes at Mead’s Heggie Drive studio or on location and encourages area residents to stop by and see the exhibition.
“Mr. Mead had a style totally his own,” said Nowak. “He had a passion to paint every day.”
Nowak said during the three years he took classes with Mead he learned a variety of techniques which he incorporates into his own artwork.
“My painting is different from Mr. Mead’s,” said Nowak. “He didn’t want me to paint just like him.”
Nowak reminisced about the Saturday afternoon classes with a “master.”
“Ed preferred painting outside, especially around Hampton Ponds and the Southwick Reservoir,” said Nowak. “As an instructor he wasn’t very talkative. He was very instructive with a good wit. I enjoyed that experience.”
Nowak added that the exhibition is a must for area residents who love art and painting.
“His landscapes and still life’s are truly inspiring and put you in another world,” said Nowak.
Mead was a teacher, mentor to several fellow artists, and instrumental in founding ArtsWest, a 30-year association of painters. He held juried memberships in the Cape Cod Art Association, Hudson Valley Art Association, North Shore Art Association, and the Academic Artists Art Association.
During Mead’s career, his works appeared in numerous juried shows and special exhibitions, and he won many awards and honors.
One of Mead’s statements featured at the exhibition captures the close to 50 works of art on display, many for sale.
“To capture life’s fleeting moments and preserve them forever is an artist’s dream,” said Mead. “I believe in that dream.”
Nowak echoed those sentiments.
“Ed was a master, a great artist,” said Nowak. “For persons who want to see good impressionistic art, visit this exhibition. The paintings are a joy to see and are inspiring.”
Mead’s paintings, most of which are framed and depict New England scenes, range in price from $100 to $1,200.
The Jasper Rand Art Gallery presents exhibits in all media that serves to stimulate the appreciation and understanding of art in the greater Westfield area. Local artists and artisans interested in exhibiting their own work or items from their personal collection can find an application on the Athenaeum’s website, www.westath.org.
The Athenaeum is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
