by Sarah Teach
Some might say that Nantucket offers art with a simple glance outside your window. This Friday, July 27, several island galleries are bursting with creative expression from the inside.
Visit Robert Foster Fine Art at 8 India Street to see the new work of Santjes Oomen, a series of paintings entitled Poet-Tree: A Blessing – A Reminder. Inspired by the majesty and reverence of trees, the paintings use both text and images to reflect “the wisdom of the one legged people,” where that which stands apparent above the ground is quietly present below, infused with the awe of growing between and connecting the earth and the heavens.
The artist conceived the idea while contemplating a “tour” of the largest trees in town, with little blessings hung onto the trunks and branches for people to spontaneously encounter during
their walks. Oomen says, “We need to be reminded how blessed we are with the gift of life, and these paintings serve as an invitation to unwrap those gifts. Trees in their many forms give us this life, if we are just willing to see it.” The show’s opening reception is this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., and the show continues through August 9.
Also this Friday, Hostetler Gallery at 42 Centre Street presents Assemblages and Prints: Raw Meets Elegant. The exhibition combines Hostetler’s works on paper and artist Scott Smith’s wall constructions toform a conversation of artists who have a history of collaboration. Scott and David used the traditional framework of etching, lithography, silk-screening and eventually woodcuts. The star of their collaboration is the development of a unique approach to monoprints. They meet at least twice a year for marathon print making sessions, and it is always an adventure into new ways of creating works on paper. This show will also introduce Nantucket to Smith’s assemblages using salvaged materials from industrial, residential and agricultural sites, with some even incorporating silk-screened artwork. Viewers can create their own story with these contemporary archaeological
studies.
Sosebee Studios & Fine Art Galleries is located on both sides of Old South Wharf. Stop in on Friday, July 27 between 6 and 8 p.m. for the opening reception for the new work of award-winning artist Jeanne Rosier Smith, whose paintings are in collections from Seattle, Washington to Monte Carlo to Australia. Enjoy wine and appetizers and meet the artist and her muted pastels!
Hosting the reception will be gallery owners Debbi and Doug Sosebee, each of whom are accomplished and collected painters with a talent for bringing life to canvas. They’re known for their gorgeous Nantucket and water scenes.
Whether you choose to look inside or out, Nantucket is full of beauty and meaning. This weekend offers wonderful opportunities to get behind artists’ eyes and experience the allure of the island from a fresh new perspective.
