This weekend the Artists Association of Nantucket is hosting two new exhibitions: a special juried art show in their Big Gallery downtown and their annual July Sidewalk Art Show in the Atheneum Garden.
Friday, June 30, a new art exhibit opens in the Artists Association of Nantucket Big Gallery, upstairs at 12 Straight Wharf. Entitled Nantucket Envisioned, the works included in this special juried show will not be revealed in advance.
“Two off island accomplished jurors, Jackie Reeves and T. Allen Lawson, will review the AAN members submissions and decide which art will be displayed,” said AAN artistic director Bobby Frazier. “With their varied backgrounds, it will be wonderful to see that process and have them share their input and thoughts as they chose pieces,” added Frazier. From 5 to 7 pm on opening day, the Jurors will offer a special presentation about their selection process for this exhibition and discuss their own art techniques and styles.
Canadian American artist Jackie Reeves was raised in Montreal and studied design art at Concordia University. She uses mixed media to bring together figurative and abstract elements in her art. Reeves also co-founded the Plymouth Community Art Center. She works out of the Old Schoolhouse Studios in Barnstable Village and lives with her family in Sandwich, MA.
T. Allen Lawson studied drawing and portraiture at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. A lifelong student, his dedication to his profession is always evolving as his interests and influences continue to challenge him. As he views the world around him, his art strives to build layers and textures with pigment to create abstract and depth. He lives in Wyoming and Maine.
Nantucket Envisioned will be on display in AAN’s Big Gallery through August 7. On the second floor of the Thomas Macy Warehouse at 12 Straight Wharf, the building was home to AAN’s Kenneth Taylor Galleries from 1945 to 1988. Concurrently, AAN’s Summer Small Works exhibition in the Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery at 19 Washington Street continues until July 17.
On Saturday, July 1, from 9 am to 2 pm, AAN artist members will display their work and chat with visitors to the annual Sidewalk Art Show in the Atheneum Garden, 1 India Street. This is a beloved tradition that dates back to 1930 on Nantucket. A variety of art styles and mediums will be included in this outdoor display: painters, ceramicists, textile artists, and more often participate.
In case of inclement weather, the rain date for the AAN Sidewalk Art Show is Sunday, July 2. A second AAN Sidewalk Art Show is planned for August 5.
