“Art should be independent of all clap-trap – should … appeal to the artistic sense of eye or ear, without confounding this with emotions entirely foreign to it … Take the picture of my mother … as an Arrangement in Grey and Black. Now that is what it is … what can or ought the public care about the identity of the portrait?” – J. M. Whistler, from The Gentle Art of Making Enemies, 1890
It has been decades since James McNeil Whistler suffered for his art. His innovative use of color and contrasts did not bring the rave reviews his ego so craved. His story – and the story of so many artists – is one of struggle not only to produce the finished piece, but to have the public enjoy it as well. Thanks to all those artists who have gone before, today’s artistic endeavors have much greater mass acceptance and appeal. Whether the medium is clay, bronze, oils, watercolors, fabric, straw, photography or even dirt – modern humans long to express themselves while others long to see the works.
Now, local residents can view locally-produced art at a venue that in and of itself is a work of primitive art – the tiny building next door to the Tinkhamtown Chapel – The Helping Hand Society. From September 12 through 28 (from noon until 6:00 pm), this free exhibit of about 25 creations will delight even the most seasoned museum-goer.
Presenting this show is the ‘Mattapoisett Area Artists’ group. Christine Bertram, one of the artists and hosts at the opening on September 12 said, “We’ve been working together for about two years … received assistance from UMass Dartmouth’s legal college students to establish ourselves as a non-profit.” She said once that is achieved, they will be able to apply for grants that will help fund the group’s far-reaching plans. They hope to one day be able to give lessons, partnering with schools. Bertram said that many of the artists in the group are teachers and professors.
The chairman of the group is Dave Englund, a rather well-known local artist in his own right, who has been teaching an astounding six decades. Although he has primarily been an educator in philosophy, it isn’t a long leap from there to creative pursuits he believes. Englund now teaches a class at the Plymouth campus of Quincy College in art perception. His own works at the Tinkhamtown show are bronze busts featuring eyes that sparkle with shiny bronze specks, which give them a ‘soul’ he explained.
The paintings, bronzes, photographs, and other artworks are thrilling to see. And who knows, maybe one day a local artist will be remembered as Whistler is today – a genius.
Other artists whose works are on display are: Becky McCann, Elizabeth Milliken Klim, Gary Hoyt, Erik Kowalski, David Rocha, and Paula Cobb. For a complete list of all artists or if you have questions on the show or how you can participate in this growing group of inspired people, contact ramcann@aol.com.
By Marilou Newell
