Newburyport Art is thrilled for 20 Years of OpArt — a special 20th Anniversary exhibition by OpArt and 30 of its artists. Full of vibrant colors, shapes, and textures that radiate off the gallery walls, 20 Years of OpArt is an important demonstration of the power of the arts.
This exhibition features a collection of vibrant original designs created in a variety of media. Artists drew inspiration from many sources, including the natural world, art history, and their imaginations. Visitors will see the influence of artist, Sol LeWitt, in a series of oil pastels based on his work, “Lines in Four Directions,” as well as a beautiful series of floral, bird, and still-life collages. With celebrations in mind, our artists found inspiration in the work of American painter, Wayne Thiebaud, resulting in colorful and festive, acrylic canvases.
Opening Reception & Artist Party: Thursday, May 2nd 11:00 to 1:00
Community Reception: Saturday, May 4th 4:00 to 6:00
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The OpArt program, founded in 2004, is a partnership between the Newburyport Art Association and Opportunity Works, with a mission to encourage and support individuals with disabilities to fulfill their life ambitions through the creative process. OpArt provides participating artists with artistic training to professionally create, exhibit, and market their artwork. The program is managed by Jenna Signore, with volunteer assistance from Michele Champion, Michelle Gray, Susan Leck, Christine Molitor Johnson, and Jane Ciccone.
OpArt is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to enrich their lives through creative expression and artistic practice by providing art instruction in a variety of mediums and techniques. Open studio sessions are held weekly at the Haverhill and Newburyport Opportunity Works locations. Artists are encouraged to work freely with materials offered (paint pastels, collage, drawing, sculpture, etc.) to create artwork centered on a particular theme or work independently. All forms of expression are encouraged, and the result is artwork that is unique, vibrant, and innovative.
