WESTMINSTER — The Nest Gallery, featuring art, pottery, books and other creative works by local artists, recently opened at the junction of Exit 5 of Interstate 91 and Route 5 in Westminster.
Founded by artists Penelope Arms of Westminster and Sloane Dawson of Rockingham, the Nest showcases the work of such artists as Matthew Peake, Fred Marin, Della Thompson, Marlene Kramer, Denis and Katheryn Chassé, and Mary Hancock. Books by award-winning writer Elayne Clift are also available.
Penelope Arms says her love of art developed early. She began sketching at a young age and now devotes her time to painting with oil and acrylic and working with watercolor. Having studied abroad with various internationally known instructors, she says her works have been shown in a variety of venues including the Southern Vermont Art Center and a juried show at Stonewall Farm.
“My credentials are my brushes, my love of nature, contrasting values of light and dark, and my ability to see and feel the abundant beauty in our universe,” she says.
Self-described “found artist” Sloane Dawson, who has a master's degree in art therapy, has been working with objects gathered from a variety of settings for more than 15 years. Departing from the traditional oil paintings she once practiced, she now crafts pieces ranging from small jewelry to large installation art designed and executed in her Rockingham studio.
Her work has been widely exhibited, and she is the recipient of several awards. “All categories of artistic expression bring visual enrichment to the public,” she says. “The Nest is a commitment to the community, which is why I'm happy to be a part of it.”
The Nest Gallery is open Thursday through Monday. For more information, call 802-463-2575 or 722-4595.