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Current Exhibit

One and Only works by Richard Piragis

Past Exhibits

Your Tiny Art Show

Snow Melt by Mary Field

Snow Melt

On view November 13 – December 30. Reception on November 28, 2:00 – 3:00.

Mary Field has worked in commercial ventures for an advertising agency, a silk screen company, and a film company. She has taught art from preschool to high school level.  She is a graduate of UMass, Amherst with a BFA in Art Ed. and an AA in Commercial Art from Lasell, in Auburndale, just outside Boston.  Mary grew up in Leyden, MA with dairy farmers for both sets of grandparents, therefore developing a love of country, old barns, and animals.  She has lived in Northfield, MA for over 30 years developing a respect for antiques and architecture.  The farms, children, antiques (primitive and of the Victoria era), are reflected in both her watercolors and oils. When not out hiking in the woods, she may be painting by the ocean.  She captures the charm of antique items, old clothes, and farms that may be extinct, and records the youth of children in portraits in a realistic manner involving a soft dreamy mood.

Mary Field
November, 2023

Pen & Ink Sketchbook by Annie Chappell

Pen & Ink Sketchbook

On view September 27 – November 11. Reception on October 6, 2:00 – 4:00.

From Annie Chappell:

Drawing has been part of my life since I was very young, when my mom gave me crayons, paper, and a briefcase to carry my supplies at age 3. She signed me up for a drawing class when I was 9. I was with adults, and I did a pencil sketch of a pair of scissors, excited to be able to capture the highlights and character of the shiny metal. Drawing has always been a way for me to relax and focus. When I was in graduate school, we had to identify six plants from our drawings, and I realized that drawing is a powerful tool; it allows me to see detail and structure, light and form. It is a way to learn on another level. When I teach others, I encourage them to draw what they see, and let that seeing inform the drawing, and for many, it is a revelation in observing the magic of an object, whether it is a dandelion, or a distant mountain. The sketches presented here are not finished drawings. They are scenes captured in my travels, or small studies of something that caught attention. I hope you enjoy the view!

Annie Chappell
September, 2023

The People, The Place, and the Plan by John Lepore

The People, The Place, and the NES Stewardship Plan

On view September 1 – September 30; Reception on September 20, 3:00 – 5:00

From John Lepore:

No one can predict how what seem to be ordinary events can become landmarks in forging a passion. These events have brought together an unimaginable life-filled interest and wonder. Some of these experiences revealed their importance years after their occurrence. It began as a child wandering the local woods, getting lost, then finding the way home, only to discover that that adventure created a passion for experiencing more from natural places. Merrymeeting Bay Dresden, Maine, became my second home, followed by the mountains of northern Maine and the hillsides of Western Massachusetts. Landing at Pioneer Valley Regional School in 1981 marked an opportunity to teach and learn more about those quiet voices of nature and how to connect our young people to this beautiful landscape. Little did I anticipate that the next stage after ‘retirement’ would bring me back to this place.

2010 became a landmark year when I reopened a book acquired from the Conway School of Landscape Design years before. Suddenly and without question, the next step forward was revealed. When I graduated in 2011, it wasn’t about what I had learned during those grueling ten months but more about recognizing that I knew far less about the natural world than I cared to acknowledge. I returned to PVRS with a mission to flush out its unique qualities and to foster the
importance of outdoor education. Sixteen hundred hours later, I published the Pioneering Stewardship Plan as a gift. Remarkably, ten years later, my efforts were recognized, and the interest to reignite the focus of the PSP extended across the district into Northfield and Bernardston Elementary Schools.

The Stewardship Plans for both schools reflect the rhetorical question, ‘Who listens to the voices of the plants, animals, and landscape as humans make decisions about them?’ Now add children. These are our stakeholders whose future has been compounded with complex issues that nature-based solutions can answer. For the NES Stewardship Plan, Pre-K and grade 6 students were engaged. Together with their energized teachers, we mapped out conceptual designs for this adventurous place west of the school grounds. Teachers responded with a strong interest, followed by community members. Next, a series of site analyses began to understand the site’s ecological complexity. Layers of details from the site’s geology, soils, topography, hydrology, and natural heritage (plants and animals) and a fuzzy history of human use were stacked to reveal critical details of opportunities and constraints.

The People, The Place, and The Plan summarizes this process and points toward the development of an upward movement for the publication of The Northfield Elementary School Stewardship Plan. Once the school district and town agree to extend the lease into the area of interest, the following steps include an archeological assessment, engagement of the conservation commission, and the pursuit of grant sources. One day, in the not-too-distant future, children and community members will experience the wonders of this magical place.

If you would like to share any knowledge about this Place, please feel welcome to reach me at futurelandsdesign@gmail.com

John Lepore
August 22, 2023

Botanical Dreams by Kaylee Pernice

Works by Robert Simoneau and Elena Simoneau

Works by Robert Simoneau and Elena Simoneau

On view March 21 – April 22; Closing reception from 1:00 – 2:00 on April 15

From Robert Simoneau:
Remanent of the Past – Watercolor & Photograph
Having grown up around the Boston and Maine railroad lines and my father being a yard clerk in the Lowell yards I have a fond and nostalgic sense of railroads. I would accompany my father to his job in the Lowell, Massachusetts yard office. There I would feel the peace and quiet of the night.
Occasionally a train would come rumbling through the yard. The gradual loss of the Boston and
Maine Railroad was slow and unrelenting. I try to capture what little is left with, for me, a feeling of both sadness and nostalgia. Therefore, my inspirations for some of my watercolor work comes from the aged, abandoned rails lines and their rolling stock: boxcars and caboose. My photographs also
present my interest in abandon and aged structures as well as simple landscapes. Watercolor and
photography are my hobbies I am not a professional painter, and this is my first exhibit thanks to
Matt Atwood and Misha Stone and the stakeholders of the Dickenson Library.

Olena “Elena” Larina Simoneau – Bead Art
From Ukraine Olena, “Elena”, has done bead art for the last six years. All the background prints, glass beads, and final mounting are from and have been done in Ukraine respectively. A laborious task,
each glass bead is sewn individually to make an exciting and engaging visual impression. Her bead artwork runs the gamut from floral arrangements, animals, landscapes to romantic themes, a few,
from some forty have been showcased in this exhibit. She is very proud of her work. Unfortunately, she now lives on the seacoast of Ukraine, Odessa, with her daughter Anastasia in order to be close to her son Stanislav and mother who both live in Nikolaev, Ukraine. This is Elena’s first exhibit.

Paintings by Jesse Morgan

Paintings by Jesse Morgan

On View Jan 3 – Feb 14, 2023

Still Life thru the Lens: Photographs by Catherine Lee

Still Life through the Lens: Photographs by Catherine Lee

On view October 21 – November 20

Works by The Community Crafters

Works by The Community Crafters
On view through end of September

Come enjoy a variety of work by our Tuesday Night Knitting Group. If you feel inspired, join them at 6:00 on Tuesdays!

Paintings by Christine Copeland

Living as I do surrounded by conserved woodland, I observe firsthand the subject matter of most
of my work on a daily basis. A familiar scene can look very different at different times depending
on the sky, the light, the foliage. Seasonal changes bring recurring surprises: bright patches of
blooming shad bush in early spring, colorful birds glimpsed on their fly-through in fall and
spring, crystalline ice sculptures in winter. Bigger vistas come and go while ambling with friends
on Connecticut River backroads on warm fall days. To see the common but shy wildlife – bobcat,
fox, fisher cat – requires senses on high alert. This is good for a painter.

In recent years I have exhibited at Amherst Art Days, Great Falls Discovery Center, The
Connecticut River Museum in Essex, the Lyme Art Association, and Greenfield Community
College. I am especially excited to be exhibiting at Dickinson Memorial Library now because of
the elegance of the gallery and because this is my town. I want to share my work with my
neighbors. It’s also exciting because I am using a medium and process that is new for me (except
for the children’s book illustrations), a water mixable oil paint called Royal Talens Cobra. Until
recently I have worked primarily in acrylic paints or inks. I have a BFA from Cornell University
but spent most of my career in Publications and Communications, so getting back to painting full
time is one of the great pleasures of my “third age.”

-Christine Copeland

Fragmented Thoughts: Drawings by Holly Tomlinson

Greenfield artist Holly Tomlinson graduated from Keene State College in 2008 with a BFA in Studio Arts. Holly enjoys using a wide variety of mediums in her creations, including oil painting, mixed media, and fiber.

The work that will be displayed at Dickinson Memorial Library, is from a collection of abstract charcoal drawings called, “Fragmented Thoughts”.   It is an exploration of mark-making to express emotions tied to an absence of security and a sense of the unknown experienced in the pandemic.  The artist comments, “These drawings helped me process all the changes that came about in 2020. I was feeling a combination of frustration and loss; using expressive drawings proved helpful in processing these emotions.” Follow along with Holly’s new work on Instagram: @greycricketstudios

Works by Jim Clarke/Jed Hover

Jim Clarke (Jed Hover) has dedicated himself to art and music throughout his lifetime. Since his early 20’s he has been a musician, both performing and composing rock music.

He performed throughout Massachusetts, in the Amherst area, Worcester, and southern Vermont area throughout the 70’s-2016 with Tumbleweed, and as a guest with other bands. Nationally he performed with Buddy Cage (from New Riders of the Purple Sage), Commander Cody and Tim Kelliher (Florida)

Jim has lived in Northfield for over 35 years. He raised his two sons here in town. His interest in art began when his sons were young and they are frequent subjects of his work. He was inspired by his son who had autism and worked with different mediums in attempting to portray his son’s perspective. His work accelerated and helped him survive after the tragic and unexpected loss of his son. Much of his work explores his son’s creativity and attempts to peer inside his mind.

A severe stroke in 2016 left Jim with paralysis and unable to speak. Jim had always been a talker, a storyteller and great conversationalist. He has become a wonderful and perceptive listener and continues to be a keen observer of others. He has always enjoyed a wide circle of friends. They have been a significant support to him since his stroke. Sports have also been a very big part of Jim’s life both as a player, and a fan. He is extremely knowledgeable about sports and sport history.

Jim loves the Northfield community and is pleased for this opportunity to be able to share his work with others. Thanks to the library!

Works by Leni Gaudet

Leni Gaudet has been painting animal portraits, landscapes and still lifes since 2002.  Her first love is painting animal portraits in pastel with over 65 commissions across the United States.  Over the years, she has expanded her work to include landscapes, flowers, and children in pastels or oils.  Her favorite artists are the Impressionists which have helped her learn more about color, the way paint is applied and the way they capture the light.  Every artist has their own vision and look, and I want to keep my individual style while expanding my knowledge of art.

Landscape Painting by Steve Welch

“I have been painting as a hobby for 30 years, having started at the Hill Institute in Florence (Ma) with Greta Carey as my instructor.  I have shown my work at area venues and have been juried into local competitions.

I am grateful to live in western Massachusetts surrounded by God’s creation.  Painting allows me to share what I see every day.  I hope you are able to take a few minutes for a peaceful tour through my landscapes.”

-Steve Welch

Views of the Valley: Photographs by Catherine Lee

“I am a Western Massachusetts photographer and I specialize in shooting farms, barns and landscape. I exhibit my work in local libraries and galleries and community centers to inspire my visitors to find a greater respect for the influence of our slowly disappearing farms.

I always have my camera. I never stop looking for beautiful pictures. Everyday I pause to look. I am influenced by my passion for art history and my desire to create fascinating works that imitate the paintings of my favorite artists and capture a moment in time.

I am fascinated with the artistic study of the changing effects of light. I often photograph the same landscape at various hours of the day, in different weather and different seasons. I love how light changes color, changes shadows, changes mood and creates an entirely different photograph with the same subject.

I photograph what I love. I love the Pioneer Valley. I feel blessed to live here and see beautiful farms and breathtaking landscape. My favorite time of day is sunrise and sunset because it is a gift of a new day and a gift of another day. I have had 10 more years of days since my battle with Sarcoma, a rare cancer and I will forever notice every sunrise and every sunset and be grateful. This is the reason for my pictures. I want to capture the beauty around me and share it so you can see what I see. So you can enjoy a moment in time.”

– Catherine Lee

Gallery Application

We are currently accepting applications for showing work in the gallery. Applications can be brought into the library during library hours or emailed to dmemlib@gmail.com. Please find the policy and application HERE.