Category: Exhibitions

Exhibitions

Alienation/Acceptance

Sheila

Salem Arts Association invited their artist community to explore feelings of belonging and exclusion, consider their place in and around our community and what community means to us all, and to express forms of acceptance or alienation in ways that truly embody their voices.

My cut paper artwork juried into the exhibit is titled Collaboration. It illustrates that idea using the complimentary colors red and green which visually vibrate when placed beside each other, but quiet down in the places I combined them in thin stripes. That represents the idea that when we get to know each other and work closely together, our differences dissipate. The piece is 21″ x 16″ matted and framed.

Reception: Friday, May 24, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM

Exhibition Dates: May 25 – June 22, 2024

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Salem Arts Association Galleries, 159 Derby Street, Salem MA 01970

Contact gallery@salemarts.org with questions.

#SalemArts

Musical Performance:

Amyjo Savannah

Southern born singer/songwriter Amyjo Savannah has a signature, soulful timber & deep, powerful resonance to her wide-ranging vocals. Singing in styles reminiscent of Odetta, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mavis Staples, Tom Waits & Robbie Basho. Her writing is equally dynamic & heartfelt. A combination that showcases her illustrative storyteller delivery. 

Amyjo Savannah has opened for Sammy Hagar, Garth Hudson (of The Band), Vince Mira, and Nina Storey. She has played at Sundance Film Festival three years running performing at The Star Bar & The Gibson Lounge. As well as performing at the High Times Doobie Awards at SXSW, and The Showbox in Seattle. She curated “Estrogen”, an all-female performance evening at The Can Can Cabaret & in was named “Northwest Discovery” in Seattle’s Sound Magazine.

Guest Juror: Patricia DiCarlo Baker graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Illustration
She has worked in a variety of other creative fields. In addition to working for the Marblehead Arts Association, she also worked for Advertising Agencies, Magazines, Corporate Businesses, and the education field. 

Patti learned the art of Nantucket Basket weaving and has been dedicated to the craft
Over the years, I have worked on different techniques for creating baskets as well as different shapes and styles for over nineteen years. She wants the owners of her baskets to use her pieces rather than keeping them on a shelf, they are made to be used.
Patti has won first place ribbons, peoples’ choice awards, and best of show
awards for her baskets.

Tea-House_Glen-Magna-Estate_plein-air
Exhibitions

GALA Pink Gala!

Sheila

Galleries at Lynn Arts (GALA) will be holding the Annual Fundraiser, PINK, on Saturday May 18, 2024 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at their beautiful galleries. Tickets for the event are $25 and are still available.

The PINK gala will be held on the same night as the opening for the Pink Exhibit which will be up in the galleries until June 25, 2024. I am happy that my painting, Tea House, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 9″ x 12″ has been accepted into the exhibit. I created this painting en plein air on the grounds of the lovely Glen Magna Estate in Danvers, MA. The painting shows the cute little birthday cake of a tea house in all its glory amidst the flowering trees of the estate gardens.

Galleries at Lynn Arts is located at 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901. For more information, contact them at 617-909-9211, or their website at www.galleriesatlynnarts.org

Exhibitions

Double Opening! 4/13-5/18/24

Sheila

Nice event tonight! Art Opening for two different exhibitions: Minimalism and the PEM Inspirational exhibit, Friday April 12, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Salem Arts Association Galleries at 159 Derby Street, in beautiful downtown Salem, Massachusetts. The reception is free and open to public. Music! Refreshments! Fun! And lots and lots of art.

This is Salem Arts Association’s 18th annual Peabody Essex Museum Inspirational Exhibition. Our Time on Earth an amazing exhibit at the PEM is “Part of PEM’s Climate + Environment Initiative, this traveling exhibition from the Barbican Centre in London celebrates the power of global creativity to transform the conversation around the climate emergency.”https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/our-time-on-earth  I was truly excited by this exhibit and plan to go back! I was delighted that my painting, Mother Earth, was juried in to this show.

Mother Earth is an acrylic painting on stretched canvas, 24″ x 30″ framed. The background is mottled metallic paints that change with the light. My father was born in Ireland; the spirals on the Earth’s oceans, the knots of the tree’s roots, and the circle of protecting trees were inspired by my interest in Celtic style art. The ancient Irish worshiped trees. It is meant to remind us to think of all the creatures of the Earth being intertwined.

In the words of the Salem Arts call for artists, Minimalism is a form of abstract art that came about in the 1950’s in the US and spread worldwide. Minimalism was best described as art with no subtext or, “What you see is what you get.”  Salem Arts Association invited our artist members to present the essence of their expression, to strip down their creative process to concepts that represent a world of simplicity where less is more, and to explore and play with the idea that art doesn’t necessarily have to represent a deep thought or evoke emotion – sometimes, it can just… be.

My painting that was juried into the Minimalism exhibit is titled Evacuation Day (acrylic, 24″ x 20″). I painted it one cold, forbidding March 17 — Evacuation Day! A far cry from the color and joy of a St. Patrick’s Day parade. But this is how New England looks in March, and it has its own stark, minimalist beauty. It is was the view from my kitchen window and as I stood at my easel painting it, I was attracted to the tessellating shapes and angles set against the lacy bare trees and their dramatic shadows.

Salem Arts Association is located at 159 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970. We are open every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6:00 p.m. While you are there to view our art exhibitions, don’t forget to visit our Gallery Shop where you will find all manner of exquisite hand-made creations by our members: jewelry, paintings, textiles, prints, woodworking, pottery, etc.

Contact us: info@SalemArts.org

#SalemArts

978-745-4850

Exhibitions

Pop-Up Show! 4/6/24

Sheila

Hurry! One day only! The Danvers Art Association is hosting a Spring Member Exhibit for just one day, Saturday, April 6. The show will be held at the unique DAA Gallery at 105 Elliot Street, Route 62, Danvers.

The gallery is housed in a beautiful antique 1913 brick two-room schoolhouse, and the show is in one of the classrooms. Members contributed artwork in many different styles and mediums to this un-themed exhibit, so you will find work of all sizes and subjects in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, and more. Most work is for sale.

My entry in the show is Emerald Woods, a 16″ x 20″ acrylic painting on stretched gallery wrap deep canvas. I painted it in my yard one delightfully breezy September morning, looking out at the conservation area behind my house. The sunlight was glowing though the leaves, bathing the whole scene in green and gold.

The reception for this exhibit will be held Friday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Danvers Art Association. Join us to enjoy original art, conviviality, and refreshments. Free and open to the public. Plenty of free parking.

Exhibitions

Nature Exhibit 4/5-5/8/24

Sheila

Galleries at Lynn Arts is kicking off the springtime with an art opening and reception Friday, April 5, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at their beautiful location, 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA. Galleries at Lynn Arts

The reception is for the Nature Exhibit which runs from April 5 until May 8, 2024. The reception will be a celebration of nature and growth and all wonderful things. Artist members have been asked to submit work which speaks to the season. The reception will feature fun and food. A five dollar donation is requested to help GALA cover the cost of the all-volunteer association.

I am so happy that two of my pieces have been juried into the show:

Wildflowers is a black and white photograph developed in the darkroom, old school! The photo was taken while I was taking a stroll in the local woods and I was drawn to the contrasts of dark and light, soft and prickly, smooth and textured. The photo measures 11″ x 13″ matted framed and is priced at $150.

My second creation in the exhibit is Cattail Sunrise which was inspired by the shrinking number of places where we can see our native cattails growing. They used to be everywhere, but are now being squeezed out by invasive species. I was lucky to come across this lovely pond where cattails still grow. The piece is done in muted tones, pastel on medium gray toothed paper and measures 18×24″ framed, $150.

It is wonderful to live amidst so much inspiring natural beauty!

Exhibitions

Library Art Show: 2nd place

Sheila

Danvers Art Association is hosting an art show at the Peabody Institute Library of Danvers from 3/16-4/20/24. The reception is free and open to the public on Saturday, 3/17 from 2-4pm. My two completely different styles of paintings in the exhibit are: Children’s Barn, acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, 8×10″ framed and Charlie on the MTA, acrylic paint on illustration board, 12″x16″. I hope you can make it!

Children’s Barn was painted in autumn of 2023 at Endicott Park in Danvers overlooking the barn on one of those crisp, sunny fall days. It is acrylic paint on framed gallery-wrapped canvas, 8” x 10”. Perfect for a country kitchen, living room, or kids’ room. 

I am delighted that my painting was selected for 2nd Place in the Acrylic Category. Charlie on the MTA (shown) was inspired by my daily trips on the T when I worked in Boston many years ago! I loved getting everywhere by using the colorful maps posted on the station walls. Who needed a car? I have added a few new “lines” in my painting. Charlie on the MTA is done in acrylic paint on illustration board in only 6 colors (red, yellow, green, blue, magenta, white), using a lot of color mixing. I hope they get the T up and running right again soon!

The library is in a beautiful wedding cake of an antique mansion! Not to be missed. Free Parking and refreshments.

15 Sylvan St, Danvers, MA 01923, United States

Phone+1 978 774 0554|

danverslibrary.org

www.SheilaBillings.com

artingiving.com

Exhibitions

Kids in Community Benefit

Sheila
Don White is performing at St. Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. (Don White)

A concert with Don White — Lynn’s own singer and folk storyteller

I was proud to have a matted print of my mixed media creation, Smart Phones, included in the benefit raffle to help with programs for this great program for local Lynn children!

Lynn Item, January 8, 2024 by For the Item

Kids in Community (KIC) invites you to an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling as we welcome Don White, Lynn’s very own singer/songwriter, to St. Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church in Lynn. Get ready to be captivated by his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss thisopportunity to experience the magic of live music in an intimate setting at St. Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church. 

White is a local legend, known for his unique blend of folk, blues, and storytelling.With his guitar in hand, he will take you on a musical journey that will touch your heart. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to White’s music, this concert will be a night to remember. 

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased through Eventbrite.com. Tickets will be sold at the door also, subject to availability. If you cannot attend, you can still support KIC by purchasing a ticket that we will donate to someone else.

Kids in Community’s summer day program is free for the participants, ages 6-13. The program has been serving Lynn kids for years but took a hiatus during the pandemic. Last summer, KIC returned to its literacy-based summer camp program. Activities include reading, art, games, music, sports, and field trips. KIC is looking forward to summer 2024 to continue the positive outreach to Lynn’s children in grades 1 through 6. 

Mark your calendars for Jan. 27 and join us for an evening of music and incredible community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

Exhibitions

Member Exhibit – 1st prize!

Sheila

Danvers Art Association is proud to present the Member Exhibit from November 18, 2023 until January 6, 2024. It will take place at the Peabody Institute Library of Danvers, 15 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923.

My entry in the show is titled Snowy Gables, and is an original hand pulled screen print done in two colors on white rag paper. The screen print depicts a snowy night, a cozy gabled cottage on a little hill, and a crescent moon shining above. It is meant to celebrate the start of the cozy season on this week before Thanksgiving.

This is an unthemed exhibit with each artist member of DAA entering a piece that speaks to them. The works are in various mediums, many sizes, and as many different subjects as there are artists. All of this hanging in a lovely fireplaced room in the Georgian Revival building originally dedicated in 1892.

An opening reception will be held on Saturday afternoon, November 18, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. It is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

The show will be open for viewing during regular library hours: Mondays – Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call the library at 978-774-0554 or email them at danversref@noblenet.org.

Exhibitions

Holiday Showcase

Sheila

Coming up! Salem Arts Association Holiday Showcase, unthemed exhibit of members’ creations. My entry is an original acrylic painting on canvas, Frosty Dawn, 12″ x 24″, framed. It was painted from inside my warm house, looking out over my old neighborhood in Gallows Hill Salem at my neighbors’ beautiful yards. I just left out all the houses, cars, street lights, and everything except the lovely snowy scene.

Opening reception this coming Friday, November 17, 6-8pm — SAA openings are always a good time! While you’re there, check out the SAA Shop on the first floor and the Masters’ Circle show going on upstairs. 159 Derby Street, Salem, MA www.SalemArts.org #SalemArts These shows will be on display through December 16, 2023.

Exhibitions

Winter Member Show 2023

Sheila

It’s that time of year! The Marblehead Arts Association is presenting the Winter Member Show from November 12 through December 24, 2023. The Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, November 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and it is free and open to the public at the MAA Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, MA.

What better way to end the year than with our annual Winter Member Exhibit!

The Marblehead Arts Association’s annual Winter Member Show promises to be an extraordinary showcase of creativity and the wide range of talents of the MAA’s Artist Members.

The works of MAA Artist members will be spread throughout all galleries of the King Hooper Mansion. They are also being presented online at the MAA website: www.marbleheadarts.org. You need to go to page three to find my painting, the very last one on the page! Well, it had to be someone! LOL.

My offering for the exhibit is Great Horned Owl, a 16″ x 20″ x 1-1/2″ deep acrylic painting on deep gallery wrapped canvas. I painted it during a snow storm, standing in the window overlooking my back yard. Everything outside looked a pastel beige/ gray because the snowflakes were falling so rapidly and so close together. As I painted, a great horned owl who lives in a tree in the woods behind my house swooped by. Two little chickadees in a big tree on the right, escaped his big yellow hunter’s eyes.

Gallery hours are Every Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 781-631-2608.