Newsletter

Highlights - 12/01/2006

Petria Mitchell

On October 10, 2006 The Harrison Gallery escorted a small group of collectors on a studio tour of abstract landscape painter Petria Mitchell.

On this excursion, we were given the opportunity to experience Petria's techniques from base layers to completion.  At least eight paintings, all in various stages, were considered and discussed.  From this, we gained insight into Petria's daring use of brush stroke and color themes to create visceral experiences for viewers.  Input from our group on color and composition aided Petria in working through several undecided areas. The completed collection is now available at The Harrison Gallery.

After lunch, Petria proceeded guided our group through the Wolf Kahn exhibit at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Station, VT.  Petria has been Wolf's neighbor and friend for many years and she was able to provide a more personal glimpse of this famous artist's life work.

John MacDonald

The community support of Williamstown artist John MacDonald has been stunning.  For The Harrison Gallery, John has become not just an accomplished artist but a friend and neighbor as well.  We thank everyone who feels the same and we can't wait to continue sharing with you John's newest accomplishments.

For those who could not make this show's opening reception on December 2, 2006 we hope you were able to enjoy John's interview with Patti Cassidy.  This interview will be shown as part of a new Artist/Statement series on WilliNet Channel 17.  The broadcast began airing on December 12, 2006 and continued at various times during the following weeks.  A DVD copy of the interview is at The Harrison Gallery.

Ashya Peltz

Potter Aysha Peltz's collection at The Harrison Gallery has just expanded with a selection of her latest porcelains.  Organic and undulating in nature, Aysha's porcelains are reminiscent of ocean reefs.  A smooth surface paired with almost tidal patterning contributes to this illusion along with the sandy undertones of her soft glazes.  Aysha's signature Bud Vases are the perfect vessels for individually arresting flowers such as Gerber Daisies, miniature daffodils, single stems of foxglove, and baby roses.

Tracy Helgeson

In January, The Harrison Gallery will offer a show of passionate color.  Tracy Helgeson uses a complex palette in transparent and opaque layers that express her personal sense of color in abstract regional landscapes.  Over the past two years, Tracy has received exhibitions in over 25 shows from New York, to Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Utah.  We are excited to present Tracy Helgeson in her first solo show at The Harrison Gallery, January 4 – 31, 2007.  An opening reception will be held Saturday, January 6 from 5 – 7:00 pm.

Gracia Dayton

Congratulations!  Harrison Gallery artist Gracia Dayton was selected for a feature article in the November 2006 issue of The Guide, a Catkill Mountain Region publication.