Not only is this the title of our current show in the gallery, it is the theme of this newsletter. You will see pictures of the fabulous new show and hear (comments in orange) from some of the coop members what their thoughts are on being an artist and a coop member in the community of Shelburne Falls.
"New York Times columnist, David Brooks, often talks about the
"weavers' of our society, those folks who help to create our
communities. Creating discussion in the community is a big
part of weaving the various threads together. As a Coop we
act as weavers when we present our work to the community,
creating feedback and discussion on art and life."
Diana Keane
This is a vibrant show with its own distinct passion. Orange as a color in Feng Shui promotes lively conversations and good times in your space. It is a social color. Three larger pieces(Oriole, Wearer of Sunshine, Bridge of Flowers Allies, and Peony and Butterfly) from Sandy Denis serve as a focal point for the show.
The co-op brings an array of different art - visual,functional,
and wearable from many creative minds. This encourages the
locals to come and look and buy. There is a range for all
wallets in the community and beyond. The people in the coop
have always impressed me with the art they do and the other
skills they have to help our business survive. We have come
over the months and years to have them as good friends who
care. The community has embraced us as we embraced them.
Sandy Denis
The color is expressive across a number of mediums. for example, here is Micillium, a felt and mulberry paper piece by Flo Rosenstock. Flo's work captures and allows us to enjoy texture, color, and nature.
As a place to show and sell my artwork, and to be inspired by the
creativity and camaraderie of other artists, the Co-op has long been
tremendously important to me, but never moreso than during this last
dark year. As we move into the time of light and are able to expand
our "open" hours, interacting with our patrons and supporters in the
shop is an additional pleasure.
Flo Rosenstock
Three photographs by Albyn Davis form a grouping That plays with the spatial aspects of the world and how we see it. The top piece is entitled Double Duomo. In the second row is The Gates and the third is the Orange Swirl. These photos encourage the viewer to new perspectives into their life.
When Ed and I moved to Hawley in the 80’s I realized how isolated
I was. I had been in Co-ops in Cambridge for years and thought
this could work in Shelburne Falls. Christine Conniff and I put an
ad in local papers and had a meeting in the space. There are so
many artists in these hills, working alone in their studios that this
would be a chance to sell, and be a part of a supportive
community.
Marian Ives
Marie Sakerellion also creates work that allows us to view realities from different perspective. She establishes environments and atmosphere that evoke mystery and uses evocative colors to take us to those places.
To me the coop is community. The people within its doors, the people
on the outside that choose to come in, and support our art. Little
windows into each of our lives, created with love, passion and great
attention. Its a community in itself that grows a bit each time
someone visits, supports us and allows us to share our
gifts. Bonnie Poole
Nancy B. Baker images are full of detail and life. As we examine her work, we realize that color is also an essential part of an image whether as primary element (the Peony and the Butterfly) or an accent (the Barn Swallow).
I have been a member of the Co-op almost since the beginning almost
23 years ago. It started as just an outlet to sell my artwork but became
a community of artists who nurture and inspire one another both in
their art and in their lives.
Nancy B Baker
In Fabio DePonte's work, The Lilies, color becomes a design element to pull out parts of the image and contrast it with the stems and vines. The white flower becomes the focal point and color pulls your eye around the image. The interaction brings out how all the elements contribute.
When I was a child, Shelburne Falls was a self supportive town: two
factories, sporting and clothing store, a jeweler, two ladies wear
shops, a five and ten and more. By the time I was in college most had
gone away and it felt a bit like a ghost town. Luckily, unlike many mill
towns we still had our beautiful setting which now attracts visitors from
around the world. I like to think the co-op does our part for the
community by keeping a vibrant store front that helps attract folks
to town that in turn eat in the restaurants and enjoy the area. But it's
the locals that keep us going all through the year when the tourists
aren't about. And I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my
art with everyone.
Nina Coler
Nina Coler's watercolors once again allow us to enjoy the way a small spot of color, a fox, butterflies or the sun hitting the bark of a tree can bring us back to an awareness of the importance of interactive parts and supporting systems. Her pieces in the show include The Sentinel, Monarch Flight, and Hiding in Plain Sight.
As many members have stated, the Shelburne Falls Art Cooperative supports artists and art. It allows us to share art with the community and create a space for lively conversations and good times in our common space. Orange you glad we're here?
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