NEWFANE-Crowell Art Gallery at Moore Free Library, 23 West St., is now featuring artwork by the Connecticut River chapter of the Vermont Watercolor Society.
As described in its mission statement, the organization is "dedicated to promoting the awareness and appreciation of watercolor to its membership at all levels of ability and to the community by providing opportunities and venues for participation, education, fellowship and exhibitions."
This show offers a diverse selection of original watercolors by approximately 20 members. Most of these pieces will be available to purchase.
Kate Reeves, the Connecticut River Chapter coordinator and signature member for the past decade, has been a member for more than 20 years.
"Being the coordinator, I organize all the shows and all the workshops and all the events that we do for the year," the Barnard artist said.
This year, however, due to the show's location, member Jessica Bigaj has organized this show.
Making connections
The chapter, with approximately 20 members, has put on 13 shows, one every year since its first show in 2011 in White River Junction.
"I think it's a fabulous opportunity for people to see what's going on in the area in the state with watercolors. A great opportunity to grow." Reeves said.
In addition to the shows, every year the chapter gives Reeves suggestions and tries to hire a professional artist to provide a workshop for the group.
The chapter will also offer a workshop for members with watercolor artist and instructor Annelein Beukenkamp of Burlington on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Woodstock Masonic Hall.
The nonprofit Vermont Watercolor Society has more than 260 members across its four regional hubs, which also include chapters for the Burlington/St. Albans area, the area west of the Green Mountains, and central Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom.
"The watercolor society is a wonderful organization to gather together members all over Vermont and New Hampshire, to be able to communicate with each other, get ideas, and be able to show their work," Reeves said.
Becoming a part of a society
Three levels of membership are available: a student membership (free to anyone younger than 24 years old); associate membership ($35), which is open to anyone; and the signature membership, which is achieved through juried acceptance into three Vermont Watercolor shows within a five-year period.
Reeves encourages others to join the chapter. "You are able to join in some of the free workshops and the gallery page. No matter what ability you are at, you are going to learn and have exposure [...] of your work and [to] other people's techniques and abilities."
If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Vermont Watercolor Society, visit vtwatercolor.org. The works of members of the Connecticut River chapter of the Vermont Watercolor Society will be on display through Friday, Nov. 29, at the Crowell Art Gallery at the Moore Free Library, 23 West St. The private library is supported by the residents of Newfane. Admission is free. Hours for the library and gallery: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: moorefreelibrary.org/crowell-gallery/.
This Arts item by Alyssa Grosso was written for The Commons.