May is ‘In Full Bloom’ at the SAA
EXETER — The Seacoast Artist Association in Exeter is in full bloom in May. Their month is brimming with exciting art plans, beginning with their monthly theme show “In Full Bloom” which runs through May 25. All artists are invited to submit to these monthly theme shows. Rules and forms are at seacoastartist.org.
Opening on Wednesday, May 1 are two Body of Work shows: Cheryl Sager’s watercolors beckon you in “Doors of Possibilities: Let Me Take You There.” “The first time I visited Europe I fell in love with the small doors that were sometimes in the oddest places and felt like they led to secret and special places. The doors, gates and windows just captured my imagination. I decided to make these the focal point of my Body of Work. While sleeping, my brain, as it often does, ponders, creates, problem solves and plans. It was through this process that I decided to take viewers behind the doors and into other places.”
Stephen Carr’s stunning show of oil paintings, “Always Near Water” illustrates his love of water and his interest in boats and architecture. “Since I paint too slowly to paint at the water’s edge, I mostly paint from photographs in my home studio. Often before starting a painting, I will sketch the subject with pen. This helps me solidify the composition and understand how the light is falling on the subject.” These shows are on display through Sunday, May 27. All artwork is for sale,
Opening on May 4, the annual SAA Members Show, “Primavera: The Art of Spring” which benefits the SAA Scholarship Fund runs for three weekends 12 to 4 p.m., May 4-5, 11-2, 19-19. The Exeter Art Walk takes place the first weekend, May 4-5, 12 to 4 p.m., with nine other art galleries and studios showing new artwork. Last year’s walk was hugely successful. Maps are available throughout town and studios and galleries will be numbered.
On May 10 the SAA will celebrate at both venues with two Second Friday receptions, the one at the Town Hall starting early 4 to 6 p.m., with music provided by Exeter violinists Dacha and Sava Thurber. Beginning at 5 p.m., their Water Street Gallery will serve wine and refreshments and host Maine musician Jerry Short until 7 p.m. The public is invited, and donations are appreciated at both venues. All artwork is for sale.
As part of their Second Sunday series of artist presentations and demos, the gallery will host “The May Splendored Life of the Working Artist” with artist and teacher Bill Paarlberg on May 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Paarlberg will introduce the latest in the Famous Monsters series, including a demonstration of how the final image is composed from his own recycled work, images from the media, and new original drawing. He will encourage those attending to get outside and discover the joys of plein air drawing and painting. He will also do a very brief watercolor demonstration to inspire people who have not yet tried “the most difficult painting medium.” Donations to the scholarship fund are welcome.
The Seacoast Artist Association is located in historic downtown Exeter on 130 Water Street. Parking is free. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. More info can be found at seacoastartist.org and on Facebook. Email gallery@seacoastartist.org with any questions.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: May is ‘In Full Bloom’ at the SAA
