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Artoberfest — Sept. 5 through Nov. 8, 2020

Salem Arts Association members and community of artists explore Salem’s history with Autumn, Halloween, Witchcraft, and the Spirit of the season. The resulting exhibit represents diverse interpretations of the theme and how, by bringing them together, we create a collective understanding of it.

My paintings in this show are Celtic Owl and Shell Selkie, both inspired by my father’s stories of growing up in Ireland. Celtic Owl is drawn in the style of the ancient monks, with intricate woven knots and shapes filled with bright jewel tones. It is done in ink and pencil, 11″ x 14″ matted and framed, $175, and is hung in the gallery during the show.

Shell Selkie reminds me of the stories of the selkies, sea folk who spent part of their time as seals in the Irish Sea and part of their time as humans or half humans. This selkie is in  mermaid form and is holding a shell to her ear. The painting is done in cool tones with lots of the spirals that are characteristic of Irish art. Shell Selkie is painted in acrylic on 11″ x 14″ gallery wrapped canvas and the design continues along the edges of the painting so it needs no frame. It can be hung on the wall, but it’s depth allows it to stand on a shelf. It is being offered for $300, and will be part of the virtual online show because of space considerations.

The show will run from September 5 through Sunday November 8, 2020 at our new gallery location, 159 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970. The gallery is right beside the Friendship docked at Derby Wharf, and across the street from the historic Counting House, part of the National Park Service. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 6:00 p.m. 978-745-4850. The virtual gallery is at the Salem Arts website, www.salemarts.org