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Topsfield Fair 2024

Sheila

Hurray! I was able to not only have my artwork juried in to the Topsfield Fair Professional Artist division, but also to be one of the artists demonstrating at the fair! The artwork is exhibited in the Coolidge Building on the fairgrounds with the other professional artwork, as well as the Amateur division, and the beautiful Crafts (including crochet, quilting, sewing, and more). The exhibit also offers a Shop with smaller paintings, prints, and cards by the professional artists; and I hope you will stop by to see my work.

There is nothing more fun to do on an autumn day in New England than to visit this long-time tradition! I had the fun of roaming the fairgrounds, and eating the yummy offerings of the many food vendors. Then I enjoyed the exhibits of farm animals, floral creations, bees, and more before setting up my easel and painting. It is great to have a chance to do two of my favorite things: painting and chatting. So many people stopped by to talk with me and give me their ideas for my painting.

I was working on a large, 24″ x 36″ canvas with a child-themed subject. As a child Pippi Longstocking and Mary Poppins were two of my favorite books. When my granddaughter was a baby, I made a treasure box for her with paintings on every side. One side featured those two characters in one painting. For the fair, I decided to expand upon that idea and the result has the working title of Pippi and Poppins. So many people stopped to talk with me that I did not have time to finish the painting yet, so I’ve taken it back to my studio to complete it.

Here’s hoping you have a chance to do yourself a favor and visit the fair this year.

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Let Us Remember

Sheila

My newest utility box is finished and you can see it at the corner of Essex Street and Danvers Road in Swampscott, MA. The box is located at a beautiful monument to the memory of Jared Raymond, a native son of Swampscott, who perished in battle in Iraq at the age of 20 years old. He gave his life for his country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

The design for the utility box mural was inspired by the World War I poem, In Flanders Fields by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He was inspired to write it on May 3, 1915 after presiding over the funeral of a fallen soldier. I was deeply touched by this poem when I first heard it from my grandfather, a World War I veteran. The red poppies were everywhere when I was a girl, worn by people to remember those who died to help keep our country safe for democracy.

The utility box was on the grounds of a beautiful monument that was built in memory of Jared Raymond, and I felt it did not do the sacred and solemn location justice with its plain beige exterior. I wanted to do more, and the Town of Swampscott okayed my plan. The design shows rolling hills of poppies with the ocean in the background, a nod to Swampscott’s seaside location where Jared grew up. The U.S. flag flies proudly on both sides of the box, flying over the flags representing the branches of the U.S. military: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and also the POW/MIA flag. Thus, it honors not only Jared, but also all the brave veterans who gave their all to protect us.

Crustacean Celebration
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Artoberfest 2024!

Sheila

Wow! Want to have a great time? Come down to Artoberfest 2024, hosted by the Salem Arts Association. You will enjoy an afternoon of outstanding live bands, dancers, food trucks, activities, and relaxation by the beautiful oceanfront part on Derby Street, Salem, MA.

I will be setting up my easel, along with other local artist-members of the Salem Arts Association to be live painting demonstrators all afternoon. My painting is inspired by a utility box I painted in Swampscott MA this summer — Lucky the Blue Lobster. Lucky and his happy little crew made lots of people happy when I painted them, and I decided to keep the fun going. My painting is titled Crustacean Celebration and it is done in acrylic and latex paint on a stretched 24″ x 36″ canvas — perfect for any child’s room!

If you come to the festival, I hope you will come over to my tent and say hello!

@Artoberfest2024

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#SalemArts

@SalemMA

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Swampscott Arts Assoc

Sheila

The Swampscott Art Association is hosting an exhibition of members’ art work. The show will take place at the Demakes YMCA, 40 Neptune Boulevard, Lynn, MA. It will offer an opening reception from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m on Sunday, September 15. Come by, enjoy viewing the beautiful work, meeting the artists, and snacking on light refreshments.

Member artists have entered work into the show in a wide variety of mediums including oil and acrylic paints, watercolor paints, drawings, photography, etc. This is an unthemed show which gives the artists an opportunity to share work in a huge array of styles and subjects.

My painting in the exhibit is titled Devereux Beach Umbrellas and was painted en plein air at the beach in Marblehead on very hot, sunny summer afternoon — thus all the umbrellas! The beach was chock full of happy people enjoying the sand, waves, and each other. People were splashing in the water, reading on their blankets, playing frisbee, and even having birthday parties! I stood and painted, and I believe my painting captures the feel of the day.

Show runs 9/16-10/17/2024, and it is open during regular YMCA hours. Please come by and see!

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Salem-Willows-Closing-Time_acrylic_11x14
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October Exhibit

Sheila

Join us for the grand opening of the Artoberfest Exhibition Friday, September 13, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The theme of the exhibit is all things Halloween and Autumn, and the exhibition dates are September 14 through November 9. The show will feature local artists’ individual takes on the theme from macabre & spooky to beautiful Autumn in New England. Many varied mediums will be on display: paintings, drawings, collage, assemblage, photography, etc.

My artwork which has been juried into the exhibition is titled Salem Willows Closing Time. It is an acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas, 11″ x 14″ x 1.5″ deep. I love Salem Willows! In the daytime, it is a lovely place to enjoy the beaches and gorgeous ocean views. And, of course, the Arcades are full of fun for all ages. I created this painting from a night time photograph I took because I like the way the colorful lights glow in the evening, giving the place a more mysterious look than in the daytime. I believe the colors lend themselves to the Halloween theme, and October is closing time for The Willows, not just for the evening, but until the following springtime.

The deep canvas makes the artwork very light and gives you the chance to hang it anywhere without the need for a stud. It also makes the painting less expensive, while still offering you the option of choosing your own frame according to your taste if you wish.

Salem Arts Association is located at 159 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970. There is plenty of parking at the public garage nearby! I hope you will take the opportunity to also visit our wonderful Gallery Shop while you are at the exhibit

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Lucky the Lobster

Sheila

One thing that I really like to do is paint outdoor murals. The combination of fresh air and the chance to interact with bypasses makes this activity a lot of fun. In the past, I have painted boxes in Salem, Peabody, and Melrose; and I am thrilled to have a chance to paint a box in Swampscott, MA.

My newest box is an homage to the new Swampscott Elementary School. The Town recently completed building the new school which will house the children from 3 elementary schools in Swampscott. The kids needed to put their heads together, take a vote, and choose among the various nominees put forth by the school kids — including blue shrimp, blue seal, blue lobster, and others. I think you can guess that the school color is blue!

The winner was a Blue Lobster! I was inspired to use a blue lobster in my design for the utility box at Vinnen Square on Paradise Road, Swampscott. The design also includes happy red crabs, yellow star fish, schools of swimming orange fish, and friendly sea horses. I call it Lucky Blue Lobster because the kids are lucky to have a beautiful new school, and the Town is lucky to have such smart kids with the ability to come to a happy agreement.

The box is located on the Marshall’s/ Petco/ CVS side of Paradise Road, Swampscott.

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Salem Maritime Festival

Sheila

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is hosting its annual Salem Maritime Festival on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at its lovely seaside location on New Derby Street, Salem, MA. I am so happy to be taking part at the Festival with other members of the Salem Arts Association by taking part in their Plein Air Painting Event.

Many members of SAA will be setting up our easels scattered all over the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Two years ago at the Festival, I painted the featured photo — the Salem Rope Factory and the Friendship — at the top of this post. This year, I plan to stand near the sidewalk and paint the Custom House. Wander around, listen to the music, taste the food, take part in the activities, and talk to the artists.

The festival is free and will feature musicians, a magician, visiting vessels, historic craft demonstrators, and hands-on activities. Fun for everyone — all ages.

There is nearby public parking at the nearby garage.

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Featured Artist

Sheila

The Salem Arts Association has a new look! And I was lucky to one of the artists with work featured in the newly designed Gallery Shop.

Come to see the original work of local artist-members in so many different mediums. My work includes small original paintings, mini-originals with wee easels included, matted prints of my paintings of local scenes, activity books about Salem MA, and more. Other artists are offering hand-made jewelry, fiber art, wearable items, hand made one-of-a-kind pottery, photography, books, cards, sculpture, woodturning, and much more.

My work in the photograph is shown in the 3 vertical columns in the far left: Column 1 top to bottom — Essex Marsh, acrylic, 8″ x 10″ framed; Gloucester Paint Factory, acrylic, 8″ x 10″. Column 2 — Imaginings, acrylic on illustration board, 11″ x 14″ matted & framed; Time Travelers, original hand-pulled screen print, 11″ x 14″ framed. Column 3: Marblehead Autumn Skyline, acrylic on canvas, 8″ x 8″; Salem Willows Closing Time, matted print, 11″ x 14″; Swampscott Lights, matted print, 11″ x 14″. The bin below holds an array of my other matted prints.

Upstairs, you can visit our galleries featuring an ever changing array of art shows, some are for members only, others are open to all area artists. The shows are usually themed and are a feast for the eyes. Most of the work is available for sale!

Salem Arts Association’s lovely gallery is housed in an antique home tucked right beside the Friendship docking area across the street from The old Custom House. Of course, admission is free. There is a public parking garage a short walk from the SAA, and many nice places to eat and enjoy everything that Salem has to offer.

We are located at 159 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01907. Phone: 978-745-4850, Email: info@SalemArts.org, #SalemArts, @SalemArts. Hours are usually Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 noon till 6:00 p.m., with expanded hours During October. Call, email, or check the website for more information!

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

Sheila

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

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Impressions Exhibit

Sheila

Life is less like a box of chocolates and more like a never-ending series of impressions made upon us, like finger marks in wet clay. As artists, not only do we visualize and bring to life the impressions that have been made on us by sights, sounds, scents, interactions, dreams, and ideas; we also leave impressions on everyone who sees our work.

I chose to take the theme of this exhibit literally and am very pleased that my impressionistic style oil painting, Sheehan’s Pond, was juried into the show. This painting grew out of only three colors of oil paint: titanium white, alizarin crimson, and dark green. I used artist Dennis Sheehan’s style of smearing the colors on a blank canvas with paper towels, and then seeing what images emerged. I began to see shapes that brought to mind pine trees surrounding a secluded pond, then used some brushes to finish the picture that appeared to me. It was a fun process.

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