Aine, Celtic Goddess of Summertime, Love & Good Fortune small
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Heroes and Legends

From Gilgamesh to King Arthur, humans have always passed on stories of heroes and legends. These figures, whether mythical or real, have inspired us throughout history. A hero doesn’t need to be famous, nor does a legend need to be written down to exist. Our member artists reflect on the heroes and legends who have inspired their own lives.

My acrylic painting reflects my idea of Aińe, the Celtic goddess of summertime, love, and good fortune; and she is created to resemble a person who is very dear to my heart. I love that this goddess stands for so many of the things I think about at this time of year, early August; and I was inspired to paint her especially for this show. Aińe is strumming an Irish lap harp and wearing a dress in the style of ancient Celtic women. The ancient Celts used the color people wore to show their status in the community. Druids were the highest and wore white, sometimes with a gold band. I brought Aińe a step higher by making her dress have a golden embroidered band enhanced with jewels that match her eyes and a summer sky.

The next level down was a king, who was allowed to wear 7 colors, a bard could wear 6, warriors had 5, and down from there. I love that artists and bards were third only to Druids and kings. Even in modern Ireland, artists do not need to pay taxes for the beauty they create.

This exhibit will offer an opening reception on Friday, August 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Salem Arts Gallery, 159 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01907. The show will run from August 2 until September 7, 2024.

Contact information: www.SalemArts.org

978-745-4850

info@SalemArts.org