Newsletter

Fall 2009 - 11/01/2009

Greetings from Spring Street! We had a busy summer - we were visited by the largest number of cultural tourists in our history. Congratulations are due to John MacDonald and Nick Patten, who exhibited spectacular paintings in their solo shows, with blockbuster results despite the current economic climate. We look forward to continuing our operations through the seasons, with terrific shows and friendly service, in a warm, welcoming environment. Our best wishes for the upcoming holiday season.

                                                                                            - Jo Ellen Harrison

New Artists: Robert Spring & TD Kelsey

Robert Spring  was born and raised in Wisconsin, educated in Florida at the Ringling School of Art and now resides in Maine.  Spring's paintings are rich, lush odes to masters like J.M.W Turner and John Twachman.  In looking at the texture he creates with his pallet knife, its no surprise that Spring started out his career as a sculptor.  He is intellectually curious and a serious student of art history, adapting the traditions and techniques of the masters to contemporary sensibilities. 

TD Kelsey  is a sculptor from Montana.  He rodeoed in stock and roping events for many years.  Now he trains and shows his owe cutting horses on his ranch in Texas.  Kelsey sums up his work best - " I draw and sculpt things that trip my trigger.  Admittedly, it is usually western subjects or animals that I may follow for  days or even weeks, but of late different peoples of the world have prompted my interest... If my work sparks your imagination, makes you remember, makes you feel good, dream or hope, then it was a success"

Upcoming Shows at the Harrison Gallery!

GALLERY UPDATE!

We are very excited about our new project H-ART, Harrison Gallery Art and Technology, which is being lead by four Williams College interns. Our goal is to understand how to use technology to better serve your needs and further enhance our sense of community at the Harrison gallery. Please give us a call if you would like to participate in one of our focus groups!

Contemporary American Master
Evan Wilson

A new painting by Evan Wilson has arrived at the Harrison Gallery!!  "Spring Interior" is awe inspiring painting that you are drawn to the moment you enter the gallery.  Chief Curator of the Huntsville Art Museum says,  "The accomplished paintings of Evan Wilson imbue everyday reality with a heightened sense of elegance and grace.  His varied subjects - including engaging portraits, dazzling floral still lifes, genteel interiors, and vibrant genre scenes - transcribe the world into something slightly rarified, a realm in which beauty reigns supreme.  For nearly twenty five years, Wilson has worked as a professional artist in the venerable realist tradition, evolving  a painting style that fuses the keen observational clarity of John Singleton Copley with the dash and spirit of John Singer Sargent."  - Peter J. Baldaia

Looking for the Magic? 

Susan Read Cronin has it!

Although Susie's work is with us all year round, there is something magical that happens when all her friends come out to play together for a show!  There is a visceral energy that surrounds the work and draws the viewer in, when the energy is recognized and felt we all happily await the next step......the LAUGHTER!  Cronin's newest sculpture "Looking for the Magic" fits right in. When viewers are first presented with the sculpture, they start to grin a bit, then they see the title and a smile appears as wild whimsical thoughts begin to fill their head.  When they lean over and peer inside, what do they see? – a mirrored reflection of themselves! This sculpture is witty and fun without the additional feature of the mirror, but with Susie, she's got to push your mind one step further… so my mind wonders, the next time I am looking for the magic - maybe it is as simple as looking in the mirror? "Believe in yourself", is what I'm left with.  Whether or not that was Susie's intention the sculpture is engaging enough to allow your mind to wonder and conclude whatever you'd like.  Stop in and have some fun!  
-Jillian Casey

Beautiful, Creative, LOCAL

Ideas For This Holiday Season!

Whether you are looking for something creative and cozy, beautiful and functional or just down right fun, the Harrison Gallery is the place to find it!  Karen Allen, of Gt. Barrington, creates amazing cashmere scarves, hats, and fingerless gloves. Mary Angus, a neighboring Vermont artist, hand blows glass perfume bottles and colorful candy canes.  Natalie Blake of Brattleboro designs porcelain vases. Dona Dalton of Philadelphia carves and paints pine and poplar wood blocks to create fanciful and mobile birds, fish, and journey boats that combine her love of mythology with a playful spirit. Phil and Gail Sellers of River Hill Pottery in North Adams, make woven ceramic baskets, hand built with strips of clay, fired and glazed. Also from VT is Joan Langevin (better known as Auntie Joan) who hand knits baby and toddler-sized hooded wool sweaters.  Don't forget to consider a gift designed by one of our five beautiful, unique jewelers!!