2010 Mill-ennial Memories
Last night marked the gala opening of the long awaited Mill-ennial Show. There was a great turn-out (I stopped counting at 150). From the wine table it was a wonderful sight. Passing red or white, I got to see all the artists whose work hung inside. There were so many talented people representing so many different media. The things they all had in common were a connection to the area and a love of their craft. Respected evergreen artisans rubbed elbows with a younger blooming set. It was like a garden of the mature experiences and new hybrids talking and sharing knowledge.
Newer artists like Assemblage Robin Puleio and Photographer Nick Anagnostis, a Thornton Academy Alumni, showed with well-known Fiber Artist Kathy Angel Lee. Lee's work "Saco Mills" was chosen for the Mill-ennial publicity.
George Hughes' Intelligent Design
This show had it all: witty art from Peter Bennett and George Hughes to social commentary from Omer Gagnon. Well received Encaustic Artists Laura Dunn and Diane Bowie Zaitlin both proved again that their medium continues to engage in fresh surprisingly new ways.
Anastasia Weigle's Zoological Curiosities
The galleries diversified by presenting works in the Mill and in the Museum. Large works world-class sculptor Celeste Roberge, whose current works are a sentimental favorite and small scale works by
Assemblage Artist Anastasia Weigle broaden the scope of work. The former's works, dedicated to her cherished parents, tugged at the heart in a big way while the latter's miniatures stirred up a collective cultural memory in an enclosed intimate setting. This is just another example of the Museum's attention to detail - how they showcase a narrative versus simply collecting.
Donna Caron's Upright Figures III
Once relieved from wine pouring, I wandered the gallery and enjoyed the work in both locations.
Sculptor Donna Caron's Upright Figures III referenced the past and the organic and still elicited a brave stance towards an uncertain future. It was astonishing to see
Painter Tammy Charles' acrylic Crows full scale after admiring it so long as a thumbnail sized work on her website. With the size of the work, the painting appeared to glow.
Tammy Charles' Crows in the Cornfield
Once one saw the scale and diversity of the works, it made perfect sense to use two sights for the show. The experience had the feel of a scavenger hunt once the
Stone Soup Artisans Spring Fling was thrown in for good measure.
The show runs until June 13th. Even better, the Museum intends to present a Mill-ennial every two years. Raise a glass, because we can expect to see this event grow in richness and complexity, in much the same way the artists grow and change. We can hardly wait!
*With wine comes truth. Cheers!
-Kathryn
