BRATTLEBORO — During the months of March and April, Brooks Memorial Library hosts “Bloom,” an exhibit of watercolor flowers by the local group Art Among Friends. A reception will be held at the library on Friday, March 3, at 4 p.m.
Art Among Friends is a group of six local artists: Connie Evans, Alice Freeman, Kathy Greve, Laurie Klenkel, Louise Zak, and Lynn Zimmerman. These friends gathered online during the pandemic to create, support, and encourage one another on their artistic journeys.
“Instead of grumbling about being 'locked in' since 2020, I rejoiced at learning new painting techniques and getting expert advice from a group of artists I love and respect,” said Freeman.
“Every session was a joy,” Zak said. “For me, the great benefit of lockdown during the pandemic was that it gave me the time and mental space to really work on my painting. [...] I was so productive being with people while also being alone in my pajamas!”
The group continues to meet twice weekly to practice techniques, share ideas, and offer constructive advice.
“I came up with this mantra during the pandemic,” said Laurie Klenkel, “and it still resonates with me today: I need art. You need art. We all need art.”
The 17 pieces on display in this show celebrate the promise of spring.
“We wanted to share light and bright colors to help sustain the community through the last blasts of winter and Vermont's own fifth season - mud,” said Evans.
“Imagine the joy of splashing around red, yellow, and purple paint on a cold, gray winter day and having that paint turn into pictures of flowers and sunlight. It's amazing,” said Zimmerman.
The large flower paintings will be displayed on panels above the Main Reading Room. Some were painted on half-sheets of watercolor paper; others were enlarged before printing.
The library is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show will run from Wednesday, March 1 through Thursday, April 27.