It’s January and at the Marion Art Center, that means it’s time for the annual winter members exhibit. From pastels to oils to multimedia images, the show features some of the best local artists, many of whom who live right here in the Tri-Town.
“We have 65 paintings, which is great for winter membership,” said MAC executive director Deb Bokelkamp. “It’s one of the benefits of being a member. Some of these artists are well-known and are selling all the time. Some are new, waiting for that first sale.”
The winter show is one of two member shows MAC has every year, with the second held during the summer. Over 30 artists are featured in this year’s winter exhibition, each submitted about two works, most of which are displayed at the art center. A few can be found displayed down the street at the Marion General Store.
The membership exhibition tradition has been around for years, according to Bokelkamp, and always has a strong showing from the artists.
“It’s just what I do,” said Sarah Brown of Rochester, a member of the art center for 47 years, and an artist who has been featured several times over the years in the membership shows.
One of her featured works is done in pastels, a method she’s been working with recently.
“Watercolor is my main medium but I’m moving into pastels,” she said. “I also have a career as a commercial artist and illustrator.”
Long-time MAC member and Mattapoisett resident Paula Cobb is another featured artist in this year’s winter exhibition. She is a photographer and painter with two works on display.
“I have that oil painting of the lighthouse over there and I have a photo down at the Marion General Store,” said Cobb.
She’s been dabbling with art her whole life, though she said she doesn’t call herself an artist. In addition to photography and oil, Cobb also works with watercolor.
She sees the membership shows as a way to not only feature local talent to new eyes but as a mechanism that strengthens the group of artists.
“You get to know everybody and you get to know their work. The community spirit is good. Most people are very supportive of one another,” she said.
The Marion Art Center winter membership exhibition is open to the public and will run until March 2, 2013. For more information on the event, visit marionartcenter.org.
By Eric Tripoli
