Wet Paint events get started with an opening reception for an Art Without Borders exhibition on Friday, September 30 from 6 to 8 pm in the Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery, 19 Washington St. The show will be on display through October 17, Monday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, closed 2-2:30 pm.
“The island has become such a well-known destination, hosting people from all over the globe. We thought it would be interesting to exhibit art that features some of our artists many travels. Now that the busy pace of summer is slowing a bit, we believe this exhibition will have the ability to transport you to another place and time,” said Robert Frazier, AAN curator of collections.
“This is a new twist on an old theme, asking our artists to look in a new direction with their art, and include pieces from their various voyages and trips. We’re looking forward to their selections,” added Frazier.
“Since Art Without Borders also marks the start of our annual Wet Paint events, the opening reception will be extra special,” said AAN executive director Cecil Barron Jensen. “People should pop in to toast the start of Wet Paint and hear all about the many new elements to the annual event that are planned for 2016.”
The Solo Show Spotlight Artist during this exhibition is painter Cate Raphael, who will lead an informal discussion at the Spotlight Series Artist talk in the gallery on Saturday, October 1 at 10 am.
Wet Paint activities continue during the week leading up to the Columbus Day weekend. Member artists will paint around the island, affording the public the opportunity to see them at their easels. Those works will then be auctioned off at the Nantucket Yacht Club, 1 South Beach Street on Sunday October 9. The preview is free and open to the public and begins at 3 pm followed by the art auction at 5 pm. In addition to the Live Auction featuring brand new, wet art, there will be a Silent Auction that includes ceramics, photographs, mixed media, textile arts, and works in wood.
“There is so much that is new and fresh about this year’s Wet Paint thanks to our visionary co-chairs Carol Christensen and Holly Harty,” said Jensen. “In addition to moving the event to the Nantucket Yacht Club, we have thought about the auctions in a whole new light. Our top priority is to reflect the many talents and abilities of our artists members in the auctions, not just those who work with wet paint…We truly believe there will be something for everyone,” she added.
“Nantucket Yacht Club is a great new location for us this year as it is beautiful, spacious, and centrally located. In addition, we’ll have a small ticketed dinner at the Club following the auction,” said Jensen. “Rafael Osona will again serve as our auctioneer. He is always a great draw for the event and we hope people will come and bid on the freshly painted works and silent auction items by some of the island’s top artists,” added Jensen. “Proceeds support the AAN’s artist memberships, arts program, gallery, and year-round public programs.”
For details on Wet Paint/Fresh Works or to RSVP for the dinner, call the AAN office at 508-228-0722 or visit Nantucketarts.org