Home
Welcome to the Experimental Group of the
Rockport Art Association & Museum
___________________________________________________________________________________
Member News
April 30,2022
The Experimental Art Group’s “Unexpected #18: Jacki’s Flowers” is open at the Rockport Art Association & Museum. This exhibition honors the memory of our beloved member Jacki Harrington, who left this world in December 2021.
After a distinguished career as a dedicated high school French teacher, Jacki became an internationally renowned pressed flower and ecoprint artist and teacher. She was also a gifted calligrapher, creating beautiful name tags adorned with pressed flowers for EG members to wear at our meetings.
Members of the Experimental Art Group have established the Jacki Harrington Award of $100 in memory of Jacki for the piece of art that best expresses the essence and beauty of nature.
Opening Reception is Saturday, April 30, 3-5pm. The exhibition runs through May 29.
_________________________________________________________________
EG Presents:
An Evening with Susan Erony
April 13, 2022
Our next EG meeting will be on Wednesday, April 20 at 7 PM via Zoom, and will feature a conversation with Susan Erony.
Susan Erony is an artist and independent scholar based in Gloucester, MA. Her artwork has focused primarily on history and the human condition, has been widely exhibited, and is in public and private collections. She has worked as a writer, curator, lecturer and teacher, always focusing on the intersection of art and society, and is currently represented by the Matthew Swift Gallery in Gloucester, MA.
Susan describes the focus of her talk: “Art and politics are strange bedfellows. The first is in the realm of the spiritual, the magical and unconscious. We want art to move us, help us find transcendence and peace in a troubled world. Politics is in the realm of governing, and is about power. At its best, its goals are humane and generous. But art and politics do not cross. As an artist driven to create work about political or social issues, I must know why I’m doing so, transcend my personal agenda and own my currently more privileged point of view. I don’t confuse art work as activism, but I believe art has a role in society’s ability to deal with dark times. What is that role?”
This event is free and open to the public. To register for the Zoom link please contact: Nella Lush, Experimental Group, Chair, via email at experimentalgroupraa@gmail.com.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Unexpected #17 at Jane Deering Gallery: April 2-30, 2022
March 23, 2022
The Jane Deering Gallery in Gloucester will host the Experimental Art Group’s 17th exhibition, April 2-30, 2022. Opening Reception is April 2, 3-6pm. Come by and raise a glass with us!
Works from 42 of the +150 Experimental Group artists can be seen at the Jane Deering Gallery’s 19 Pleasant Street location, next door to the prestigious Cape Ann Museum. The show can also be seen digitally 24/7 here: https://janedeeringgallery.com/the-experimental-group
___________________________________________________________________________________
EG Presents: An Evening with
Brian Rutenberg, One of the Finest American Painters of His Generation
December 29, 2021
Brian Rutenberg will be featured in the Experimental Group’s Education Series on Wednesday January 19, 2022, at 7:00pm via ZOOM. This exciting talk is free and open to the public. If you would like a zoom invitation to the event, please contact: Nella Lush, Experimental Group, Chair, via email at experimentalgroupraa@gmail.com.
Widely considered to be one of the finest American painters of his generation, Brian Rutenberg has spent forty years honing a distinctive method of compressing the rich color and form of his native coastal South Carolina into complex landscape paintings that imbue material reality with a deep sense of place.
Brian received his BFA in 1987 from the College of Charleston and his MFA in 1989 from the School of Visual Arts, New York. He is a Fulbright Scholar, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow, a Basil Alkazzi USA Award recipient, an Irish Museum of Modern Art visiting artist program participant, and has had over two hundred and fifty exhibitions throughout North America. Rutenberg’s paintings are included in such museum collections as Yale University Art Gallery, The Butler Institute of American Art, Bronx Museum of Art, Peabody Essex Museum of Art, Greenville County Museum of Art, Provincetown Art Association and Museum, South Carolina State Museum, and many others. His popular YouTube videos “Brian Rutenberg Studio Visits” are viewed daily by people all over the world. Radius Books published a full color monograph in 2008. Brian’s book, Clear Seeing Place, was released in October 2016 and was an Amazon #1 bestseller. His new monograph, A Little Long Time, published by Forum Gallery in 2019 is also an Amazon bestseller. Brian received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the College of Charleston where he delivered the 2018 commencement address.
Brian lives and works in New York City with his wife Kathryn and their two children.
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
__________________________________________________________________________________
“Unexpected #16 Opens at RAA&M
December 11, 2021
The Experimental Group’s new exhibition is up and running at RAA&M’s Showroom Gallery, now through December 31, and online 24/7 here.
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
_______________________
13 EG Artists in
RAA&M National Show 2021
Nella & Steve Lush Win Awards
December 4, 2021
The RAA&M National Show 2021 opens today, with a Facebook Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony at 2:00pm. Jurors Teresa Oaxaca and Mark Boedges have completed a difficult challenge, choosing 156 pieces from almost 1,000 entries across a multitude of mediums.
The chosen Experimental Group artists are Priscilla Barrett, Matt Cegelis, Dan Cianfarini, Law Hamilton, Nella De Luca Lush, Steven Lush, Susan Guest McPhail, Lynn Maguire, Judythe Meagher, Nancy Muise, David Piemonte, Lory Ragnio, Lidija Vukovick, and Karen Watson.
Nella Lush received the Parco Fine Art Award, and Steve Lush was awarded the Mary Bryan Medal For Contemporary, Representational or Semi-Realistic Watercolor.
The show runs through December 31 in the Hibbard and Maddocks Galleries at the Rockport Art Association & Museum, and online 24/7 here.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Lynda Goldberg in
“Celebrate Newton”
November 26, 2021
Lynda is among the 50 artisans showing at this event on Sunday, December 5, 10am-4pm at
Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Rd. Newton Centre, MA 02459.
From Lynda:
I am displaying small framed and unframed monotypes, as well as cards. Perfect gifts for you, your family, and friends. Please come by and say “hello”. (COVID restrictions observed.)
P.S. As always, my work is on my website and at my studio/gallery. If you have questions, or would like to visit my studio/gallery; please contact me at: lynda@lyndagoldberg.com
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
Carmela Martin & Katie Bull in
OTRT 2021 Exhibit
November 20, 2021
From Carmela:
On The Right Track is a talented group of artists on Cape Ann. It has become our tradition to host an art exhibit and party in December at the Beverly Farms Library. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship with the artists and friends, have a glass of wine and find a lovely gift for that special someone in your life – maybe that’s you!
If you are in the area I hope you will stop in to see us on Saturday, December 4 between 2 and 4:30pm. The exhibit will also be available through December 30 during regular library hours.
ps. the painting in the upper left corner is one of mine. Autumn Glory.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Artist Talk Photos & Videos from
Unexpected #15: “Then & Now”
November 7, 2021
Yesterday, 20 Experimental Group artists gave short talks about their work in Unexpected #15 at Rockport Art Association & Museum. Photos are below, and videos are here: Video #1, 50 minutes, and Video #2, 2 minutes.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Unexpected #15: “Then & Now”
Opens at Rockport Art Association & Museum
November 5, 2021
The Experimental Group’s new exhibition is up and running at RAA&M’s Maddocks Gallery, now through Saturday, November 27, and online 24/7 here. The theme of the show invites fresh interpretations, or reimaginations, of masterpieces from the Museum’s permanent collection. On Saturday, November 6, at 1:30 the EG artists will tour the exhibit together and each artist will be invited to speak about their creative process. This event is free and open to the public.
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
Adriana G. Prat Presents “Meditations on Climate Crisis: Inspiring Change”
October 28, 2021
Adriana G. Prat has curated a group exhibition that will feature 2D and 3D artworks from ten artists, residents of the Northeastern USA region. The participating artists are diverse in backgrounds and art practices, but share a personal and artistic commitment to the topic of the climate crisis. The art processes and visions vary from using repurposed materials and decreasing waste, promoting personal and collective sustainability practices, or celebrating the beauty of all inhabitants of our ecosystem, including species that are at risk of extinction.
Details below. Virtual Artist Talk: Thursday November 18th (7-8 pm) – via Zoom: Register here.
________________________________________________________________________________________
“The Personal is Political: Art and Activism 2021”
Presentation by Gallery Owner
Paula Estey
October 16, 2021
In our next Experimental Group Education Program, Paula Estey will give a presentation highlighting her professional journey from gallery owner to community activist. She will talk about our creative responsibility as artists for truth; how to avoid burnout or comparison; how to maintain an ethic of beauty in the face of challenges, and the artist’s personal paths to activism. Artists can be effective catalysts for conscious change.
Join us for this exciting talk on Wednesday, October 20th at 7pm via ZOOM. For an invitation, please contact: Nella Lush, Experimental Group, Chair, via email at experimentalgroupraa@gmail.com.
This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.
Paula Estey (pictured here with her son) has been an art warrior from birth, through poetry, painting, performance and now as the founder of Paula Estey Gallery: A Center for Art and Activism, celebrating seven years in 2021. Paula has curated meaningful contemporary fine art exhibits addressing environmental and other social justice topics. In 2017, Estey founded The Women in Action Huddle of Greater Newburyport, a support and activism group with more than 250 members working on initiatives serving the environmental crisis in our communities and region. For more information on Paula visit www.paulaesteygallery.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
Donna Caselden, Jacki Harrington and
Mary Jane Mulholland at
Inner Space Fine Arts Gallery
October 16, 2021
Inner Space Fine Arts Gallery, 189 Maine Street, Reading, MA, is currently featuring prints and paintings by Jacki Harrington, Donna Caselden, and Mary Jane Mulholland… just in time for the holiday season. Owner Alison Paladino has a unique and beautiful collection of fine arts and crafts at all price points.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Sinikka Nogelo in 22nd Annual
Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay Exhibition
Sept. 13, 2021
Sinikka Nogelo is one of fifty artists with a site specific sculpture addressing this year’s theme, “Reach,” as part of the 22nd Annual Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay Exhibit. Her 6.5’ x 4.5’ foot work is fashioned from aluminum cans and is entitled “Around the World in 17 Hours” because that was the length of time it took for the world’s usage of cans to encircle the earth at the time work on her sculpture began. “When I learned that,” says Nogelo, “I knew I wanted to make something beautiful to inspire even more recycling.”
Admission is free to view the sculptures along the walking trails of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, MA through October 2nd, with an Opening Reception from 2-5pm on Saturday, September 18th, 74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport.
Sinikka’s artist website: http://www.sinikkanogelo.com/
___________________________________________________________________________________
Ilene Richard Solo Show at RAA&M
Sept. 6, 2021
From the RAA&M news release:
Children’s book illustrator… Jewelry designer… Award-winning fine artist… Few of us can hope to lay claim to any of these coveted artistic careers. Yet Rockport Art Association & Museum member Ilene Richard has been all of these… and more!
This exhibit features Ilene’s unique figurative work, based on her firsthand observations of people involved in everyday activities. Experience her strong design, vibrant color palette, and the heavy narrative quality she imbues into every work. Immerse yourself into this versatile artist’s world, and come away inspired!
August 28 – September 16, 2021 in the Marguerite Pearson Gallery
Online Exhibit: https://www.rockportartassn.org/solo-shows
Ilene’s Artist Website: https://www.ilenerichard.com/
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
Loren Doucette, Rē Siswick Graham
and Rosemary Sullivan at
The Cove Gallery
Sept. 4, 2021
___________________________________________________________________________________
Carmella Martin Solo Show at
North Shore Arts Association
Sept. 1, 2021
A new exhibition of paintings by Carmela Martin is currently on display at the North Shore Arts Association (NSAA) in Gloucester, MA, and will be on view through September 9, 2021. The exhibition features vibrant paintings rich in texture and color. Please join us on Saturday, September 4, 2021, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM for the opening reception.
Carmela studied with many gifted and renowned artists from the North Shore and beyond. She works primarily in oil, adding cold wax and marble dust to create layers of texture, and incorporates pastel, acrylic, and monotype printing into her work.
Her paintings are in numerous private and corporate collections in the United Sates and abroad. She is a member of the North Shore Arts Association, Rockport Art Association & Museum, and the Experimental Group. To experience more of Carmela’s work please visit www.carmelamartinfineart.com.
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
5 EG Artists in 2020 VISION Exhibition at Rocky Neck
___________________________________________________________________________________
Kat Masella in “8 Visions” Exhibition at
Attleboro Arts Museum
August 26, 2021
Kat was selected from a group of over 60 artists for this show
From the Museum news release:
Since 2002 the Attleboro Arts Museum has presented a late summer “Visions” group exhibition featuring the work of juried member artists.
The exhibiting artist review process for 8 Visions began during the Museum’s Members’ Exhibition in December of 2020. Over 60 artists applied to be considered for this premiere exhibition opportunity. Members’ Exhibition juror Jennifer Jean Okumura, a practicing artist and President and founding Exhibition Chair for National Association of Women Artists, Inc., MA chapter, carefully reviewed the work of these artists and the field was narrowed down to twenty.
Two new jurors, Anne Corso, Executive Director of the Southern Vermont Arts Center and Lauren Riviello, former Executive Director of the Brookline Arts Center in Brookline, MA, combed through the twenty portfolios.
In the end, a talented team of eight was selected. Working in diverse mediums and concepts, the 2021 8 Visions artists will exhibit their work in an in-gallery exhibition from August 3rd – 28th.
___________________________________________________________________________________
EG Education Program
Guest Speakers Announced
July 23, 2021
Loren Doucette, Paula Estey and Brian Rutenberg will give presentations to the Experimental Group in our upcoming Education Programs.
Loren will present on Aug. 18, Paula on Oct. 20, and Brian on Jan. 19. All presentations will begin at 7pm via Zoom.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Robin Colodzin & Pam Courtleigh
in “Sense & Sensibility” Show
at Cove Gallery
July 1, 2021
Robin and Pam are part of a 6 artist show opening today on Rocky Neck. “Sense and Sensibility” is underway at the Cove Gallery, formerly the Goetemann Gallery and now managed by Rocky Neck Art Colony. The exhibition explores themes of women, language, family and home, and also includes artists Anne Gilson, Leslie Lyman, Mary Rhinelander and Dawn Southworth. The artists will host two opening receptions, Thursday, July 1 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 5 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Cove Gallery, 37 Rocky Neck Avenue, Gloucester. Gallery hours: noon to 5:00 p.m, Friday through Sunday, and noon to 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Sense and Sensibility through July 25, 2021. If you can’t make it to the gallery, the show is also online 24/7 here: https://www.senseandsensibilityart.com/
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
_______________________
Jacki Harrington: Free Eco Print Workshop Announcement
June 26, 2021
Several members have indicated an interest in trying eco printing. I would like to offer an eco printing on paper session at my house on Wednesday, July 14 from 10 AM to 3 PM (weather and your schedule permitting, the day is flexible!). Please email me if you are interested!
I have all the necessary supplies for this fun day!
Jacki Harrington
jmharring@aol.com
61 Fairview Ave.
Peabody, MA
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Lynda Goldberg at
2021 Newton Open Studios
June 23, 2021
This Saturday, June 26, 11am-5pm, Lynda will be outside her studio/gallery at 29 Vineyard Rd., Newton Centre, MA (rain date is Sunday June 27th). She will be exhibiting monotype/monoprint works on paper, oils on canvas, watercolors and mixed media, large and small. You may also browse inside her gallery/studio (masked) to see additional pieces. COVID restrictions observed. Her work can also be seen 24/7 at https://www.lyndagoldberg.com/.
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Mary Jane Mulholland Solo Show at GALA,
Galleries at Lynn Arts
June 21, 2021
Mary Jane’s solo show at GALA, Galleries at Lynn Arts, 25 Exchange Street in Lynn runs through June 27. The gallery is open to visit on Thursdays and Sundays, 10-3pm, and Saturdays from 11-5pm. You can also see the show online 24/7 here: https://www.galleriesatlynnarts.org/mary-jane-mulholland
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
_______________________
Sinikka Nogelo
Open Studio, June 5 & 6
Cape Ann Artisans Studio Tour
June 2, 2021
Sinikka is a painter of colorful abstracts and maker of sculptures and wall pieces using found objects and recyclables. New for this tour are works made during Covid. Dementia is a motif as are metaphors for quarantine and prison reform.
Sinikka’s studio is located at Cripple Cove, 97 East Main Street, Gloucester. Hours during the tour are 10:00am to 5:00pm. For additional tour details and videos visit capeannartisans.com.
* Please send items for EG Member News to mattcegelis@gmail.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
Previous Member News items are archived on the
News Archive page.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, ideas or
suggestions you may have for the Experimental Art Group.
We’d love to hear from you!
Experimental Art Group 