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Great outdoors
More than 70 artists expected at Greeley Park art show
By Heidi Masek hmasek@hippopress.com
The Nashua Area Artists’ Association is preparing for the 55th Greeley Park Art Exhibition on Saturday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17, in the Nashua park.
NAAA president Jayson Gleneck said the number of area artists participating (they don’t have to be NAAA members) has grown from last year’s count of about 65. More than 70 had signed up for 2008 as of July 30.
Some of the more well-known locals who participate include Monique Sakellarios, who creates oil paintings in an impressionist style; Marilene Sawaf, whose oils are reminiscent of panel paintings, which she says are inspired by Old World stained glass; James Chase, who uses found objects in his work; Bob Janules, who creates digital fractal art, and Stephen Previte of Hollis, who paints traditional oils.
Artists who arrange for booth space can enter a piece to be judged. Last year, jewelry and sculpture were added to the juried categories of oils, watercolor, acrylic, pastel/drawing, printmaking, mixed media and photography. A first, second, third and runner up will be chosen for each category. A best in show will also be chosen, and prizes will be awarded.
John Weidman, director of the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, and Lisa Lynch, director of the arts and external relations for The Women’s Studies Research Center at Brandeis University, jury. NAAA plans to recruit a third judge.
Artists bring other work to sell besides items that fit in the competition categories, including woodwork and cards. Frequently, woodworkers demonstrate during the show. Entertainment scheduled includes George Parker on classical guitar Aug. 16, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
An interesting aspect of the show has to do with how the land was willed to the city of Nashua by Joseph Thornton Greeley in 1881. It can’t be used commercially, so if someone wants to make a purchase at the show, the artist may need to walk over to the sidewalk with the patron to complete the sale. There will be a sales desk at the sidewalk, Gleneck said.
The children’s art contest returns to Greeley on Sunday, Aug. 17. It’s long been part of this park tradition, but was instead held in the fall at NAAA’s Gallery One during the past two years. Rain had been a problem because the children’s artwork was displayed on a snow fence, uncovered. This year, two tents will be placed toward the front of the park for the contest. It also has a new name, EAST — the Emerging Artists Student Talent’s Summer Show. Children and teens between ages 6 and 18 can exhibit one matted or framed piece each. First, second, third and honorable mention will be chosen from each of four age groups. James Chase of Manchester will be one of the judges. The children can put prices on their pieces, but “it’s more for show and the awards ceremony,” Gleneck said.
The NAAA is planning to have two children’s shows per year. The other will be held at Gallery One in the spring.
NAAA will present a $1,000 scholarship at Greeley. This year it is awarded to Lauren Duda of Merrimack, who will attend Savannah School of Art and Design in the fall. The NAAA also awards the $1,000 Unitarian Universalist Church Calvin Libby Memorial Art Scholarship on behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Justianna Andrews of Milford was presented with the scholarship in June at the church and attends the Art Institute of Boston in the fall.
The adult show awards will be distributed Saturday, Aug. 16, at 4 p.m.
The NAAA now has 180 members, Gleneck said, which is up from 130, his count when he took over in November 2007 as president. Currently he and the association are working on getting their Gallery One space open more than two days per week again. It will continue to be open Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment until they develop a larger “core” group of volunteers to “gallery sit,” he said.
Gallery One hosted the opening ceremony for the First International Nashua Sculptors Symposium in May. NAAA also started an annual college invitational there in April that featured Chester College. The gallery participates in the Nashua Art Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, this year.
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