Published: Sep 19, 2022 14:28:57
Updated: Sep 19, 2022 14:28:18
SHELBURNE FALLS — Colrain’s beauty will be showcased with over 60 paintings created by 32 artists as part of the 3rd annual ‘Colrain on Canvas’ show.
The exhibit will be on display Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Shelburne Buckland Community Center at 53 Main Street, Shelburne Falls.
“This show tells the story of Colraine’s beauty and history,” said organizer Deborah Wheeler, a member of the Colraine Historical Society’s fundraising committee. Each painting depicts a scene, person or animal from Colline.
Wheeler said this year’s exhibit is special. In April he will be exhibiting his 12 paintings of the late A. Hale Johnson, a noted petroleum landscaper who died at the age of 84. Often compared to artists Andrew Weiss and Eric Sloan. ”
Some of the paintings on display at Colrain on Canvas are professionally produced, while others are by artists with little or no training.
“Seeing different paintings by Colraine side by side makes the show fun,” said Wheeler.
She also pointed out that many artists were disciples of the great painters of the region. Wheeler explained that by looking at these paintings, one can see where the artist’s influence came from and how the skill was transmitted.
Three donated paintings will be auctioned. One painting preserves a view of the former Colrain Inn, which was three stories high. Wheeler said the historic building was the victim of multiple fires, one of which had his third floor demolished. According to the Colraine Historical Society website, the last fire destroyed the inn in 1989.
Launched in 2019 but not held in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the show has a unique set-up of paintings composed based on the town’s five villages. . People can see a map of the entire Shelburne Buckland Community Center to see exactly where each painting was made, adding context.
Wheeler said the emotional memories associated with the painting and its location have been known to bring some participants to tears.
“Anyone who has spent time on Colrain will find the show interesting,” she said.
Admission is $10. All money raised will support the Colrain Historical Society, which is raising funds for foundation, electrical and weathering work at the museum.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.
