Two favorite Seacoast artists open solo shows in Exeter
EXETER — Artwork by Seacoast Artist Association gallery artists Annie Brown and Christine Blomquist, both of Brentwood, are highly sought after, so these two Body of Work shows in April will be a boon for collectors. Both shows celebrate the Spring season. These shows open on Wednesday, April 3, and run thorough Sunday, April 28.
“My favorite time of year is approaching,” says Blomquist about her show ‘New Beginnings.’ “What’s not to love about spring and the splendor of warm weather, bright colors, sweet smells, and new beginnings? Each day a new experience, watching spring flowers emerge from the newly uncovered earth or the sight of birds returning to their summer home. Miracles of birth happening all around us, even the green grasses are a welcome sight. My images are painted with wool and various fibers to create dimension, texture, and color. What is wool painting? It is exactly as it sounds except that you use a barbed needle instead of a paint brush and a colorful variety of dyed wool, silk, and other materials in place of paint. Over the years I have tried different mediums and different ways to use each medium. Ten years ago, I became acquainted with this unique form of fiber art. The techniques of painting with wool and various fibers, is a 2D needle or wet felting process that allows me to experiment and achieve different effects. The possibilities are endless with fibers.”
Brown returns to her trademark nature photography for her show ‘The Wildlife of Swasey Park.’ She often says that painting is closest to her heart, but photography is closest to her soul. “I have travelled to many locations throughout New England in search of wildlife to photograph. Yet I always find my way back to Swasey Park in Exeter. An abundance of wildlife calls this beautiful place home. I have been privileged and honored to have a front row seat, observing and photographing their daily lives. This exhibit is a glimpse, a moment frozen in time, of the fascinating creatures all around us here in Exeter. I urge you to visit this magical place and experience the beauty of all these riverbank residents that call this home."
Join the artists for a reception on “Second Friday,” April 12, 5-7 p.m. Music will be provided by folk/country/blues musician Jerry Short, and refreshments served. The Seacoast Artist Association is located at 130 Water St., in historic downtown Exeter and parking is free. See more at seacoastartist.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.