Painting with watercolor is one of the more difficult mediums for an artist. The thin fluid consistency of the paint makes it a challenge to direct. Watercolor, much like water, simply wants to flow. But watercolor can also be vivid, precise, sensual, bold, or delicate. There is one thing that is absolutely essential when working with watercolor, and that’s technique.

            The Canalside Artists, a group of painters from Wareham, Rochester, Marion, Carver, Plymouth, Lakeville, and other surrounding communities, take on watercolor in weekly classes held at the Bourne Council on Aging. There, under the guidance and encouragement of Kate Furler, they meet to explore and learn the intricacies of watercolor with dramatic results.

            Over at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center in Marion, the Marion Council on Aging invites the public to enjoy the results of the Canalside Artists watercolor classes now on display until October 30 in a space that is fast becoming a cultural center.

            The Marion COA frequently hosts works of visual art from artists of all ages, as well as lectures, presentations, and other events. On September 4, an opening reception was held for the Canalside Artists with some 50 works of art gracing the center’s walls. There are precious birds, old farm scenes, seascapes, and flowers executed with a precision that clearly announces: “We take our work seriously.” And while the artists are modest when speaking of their individual talents, their finished paintings tell the real story – they paint in full command of the medium.

            “I’ve been painting for about 15 years,” said artist Janet McDonald of Rochester. She said she paints exclusively in watercolor. She explained that Furler offers instruction and encouragement guiding the group. “She’ll bring in a photograph or a painting,” said McDonald, which the group then uses as a starting point, inspiration if you will, as they hone their skills.

            Betty DeVincent of Rochester has been studying and painting since 1953 when she attended the Museum School. “I paint for pleasure,” she said. DeVincent prefers still life painting because the artist gets to decide where the light will fall unlike “en plein air,” as she explained. “When you paint outside you have to be fast or take a photograph,” as the natural light changes almost moment by moment.

            The “Canalside” artists whose paintings temporarily grace the walls at the COA center are, in addition to McDonald and DeVincent, Karen Tamagini, Helen Johnson, Camille Rigney, Lori Paltola, Jane Doherty, and Furler herself.

            “We are happy to have these groups displays their works of art. They are so talented,” said Marion COA Director Karen Gregory of this event and similar shows. “The first sale took place before the show even opened,” she joyfully shared. Gregory believes that holding such events at the center provides “a rich cultural experience for the whole community.”

            Upcoming showings at the Marion COA will include “Art for All Ages” from November 1 through December 2, and “Anything Goes – Whimsy, Abstract, Fun and Fantastic” from December 4 through January 2. The current show and upcoming visual art openings are organized by Mary Ross of Marion, herself an outstanding artist whose collage works have also been displayed by the Marion COA.

            Visit the Marion Council on Aging via the Town’s website, www.marionma.gov, to find a complete list of other shows and times.

By Marilou Newell

            On September 7, as angry overcast skies threatened the late summer celebrations planned for the weekend, the Marion Art Center was in full celebratory mode inside and out.

            Through the fundraising efforts of the board of directors and a willingness of a neighbor to negotiate a fair purchase price, the MAC purchased a small parcel that will expand its property holdings by some 2,100 square feet.

            Neighbor Mark Barry was able to subdivide his abutting property after discussions and approval by town boards. With that bit of bylaw business completed and with favorable approval from officials, the way was cleared to grant the MAC the opportunity to purchase the land. While describing the mature trees on the land now owned by the MAC, Barry said he was pleased it all came together and that the center would now have additional space for special events.

            Jennifer Wolfe Webb, president of the MAC Board of Directors, said, “Thanks to Mark, we had the opportunity to purchase the land.” She also thanked unnamed donors whose contributions made the purchase possible. “Special thanks to Eric Strand for spearheading the donations,” she added.

            Webb spoke of the contributions of MAC Director Jodi Stevens, saying, “She made everything possible.” Webb said with a chuckle that now that the MAC has a yard, it also has grass that needs to be mowed. While it is too soon to say how the additional space will be used, Webb said, “There is lots of potential.” She noted such potential activities as outdoor art classes, exhibits, and special events. “It’s an exciting time for the MAC – we are growing.”

            Stevens said that having the space means there is the opportunity to make handicap access to the MAC a reality. While she wondered aloud how access to the stage area could also be modified to accommodate those using mobility devices, she was encouraged that people could possibly have easier access to the first floor gallery space. Thinking ahead, she said an elevator to the second floor gallery, while not planned at this time, might be considered at some point in the future. She said a feasibility study would help the MAC plan for the future.

            The artworks currently on exhibit at the MAC are paintings done by Nancy Dyer Mitton and Robert Seyffert through September 28. Upcoming events include a jazz concert on September 14 at 7:30 pm starring the David Mitton Project, and on September 28 at 11:00 am Robert Seyffert will give an artist’s talk.

            Visit www.marionartcenter.org for further details.

By Marilou Newell