Marblehead | Sheila Farren Billings

The Swampscott Art Association has just hung a new art exhibit of members’ work at the Lynch Van Otterloo YMCA in Marblehead, which will be on display from January 15 until April 16, 2026. Sit at the nice little tables by the pool, get a cup of coffee and a delicious muffin, and feast your eyes!

My entry in this exhibit is Seamróg, ink & pencil, 11″ x 14″ matted and framed. Seamróg is the Irish Gaelic word for shamrock and it is pronounced the same as the English word. I have drawn this shamrock in the ancient Irish style of Celtic knots. The bright colors and outlines are inspired by the Irish Book of Kells which I was lucky enough to see twice: once in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts, and again at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

I first became interested in this style by looking at my father’s art books. He was born in Ireland and wanted to introduce us to the incredible art and music of his beloved homeland. Drawing the intricate patterns is a peaceful, meditative activity.

I hope that you will have a chance to enjoy this show. I hope you will visit my website, www.SheilaBillings.com to view more of my Celtic and other art creations. May my art bring your heart as much happiness as it has brought to mine.

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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Tag: Marblehead

Winter Exhibit

Swampscott Arts Assoc