January 14 – February 13, 2005
Pastel, Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, Digital Art, Fine Crafts
Sargent and Hartson Galleries
Juror: Rebecca Reynolds
A curator and independent scholar specializing in American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, this show's juror - Rebecca Reynolds is currently writing a book on the sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington through a grant from the Luce Foundation. Prior to receiving the latter fellowship, Reynolds was a museum professional for some twenty years, working in the American Departments of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Metropolitan Museum; in the Prints and Drawings Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and the Education Departments of the Metropolitan Museum and the National Gallery.

Juror's Overall Comments:
Unfortunately when most people think of "art" a painting comes to mind. Not me! Give me a giclee print or ceramic figure any day for my aesthetic fix. The current exhibition at the Newburyport Art Association (NAA) is thus very satisfying as it includes noteworthy examples of the "other" fine arts -- craft with a big "C" and works on paper, such as pastels, drawings, prints, and photographs.

Unlike many of its sister art institutions that generally relegate photography to back room exhibitions, NAA willingly embraces this artform; thus, photography has a big showing. The breadth of technique and subject is nearly as wide as the selections, from selenium toned sepia gelatin prints and pinhole camera views to digitally altered images, from intimate scenes of nature and portraits to expansive landscapes and colorful abstractions. This work offers something for everyone, from the lover of more popular art to the staunchest of traditional critics.

The range of drawing styles shown is also broad; what unites them is the sensitivity with which each artist connects with her subject. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the current exhibition is the exceptional pastels. This medium is represented by a small group of artists whose work evidences a technical proficiency and approach more akin to the old masters. These works are simply exquisite. In contrast to the traditional pastels, the prints, when taken as a whole, are much more modern in color and composition. And despite the small size of many of the prints, they often possess a boldness that is very refreshing.

The one disappointment in this exhibition is the paucity of crafts, even more so because the quality of what's shown is very high. What kept the other craftsmen away? Surely it wasn't the venue which offers a historic building with great exhibition spaces. It must have been the weather; though we all know that's no excuse if you live in New England.

Click on thumbnail for larger view.

Mary Alice Arakelian Memorial Award for Best of Show
Marjet Lesk of Newburyport for her pastel “My Kitchen Shelves”

This still life has a quiet elegance. Its seemingly classic, understated old world charm is enhanced by whimsical flourishes and bold color accents. It’s a compelling study brought fully to completion.

H. Patterson Hale, Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence
Fran Butsavich of Newbury for her pastel “Autumn”

This is a picture one is clearly invited to walk into. The artist has put many forces to work in achieving this goal- a marvelous color sense, a great composition with effective implied lines, and a sure application of her medium.

Newburyport Bank Award for General Excellence
J.C. Airoldi of Hampstead, NH for her pastel “Spring Reflections”

Airoldi deserves an award for both of her exceptional, finely-executed pastels. With a skill that is more common among old masters than modern artists, she deftly employs her medium- both pastel and colored paper to create a seamless picture

Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation Award
Paul Wainwright of Atkinson, NH for his selenium toned gelatin print “Clearing Fog”

Wainwright’s technical proficiency is evidenced not only in this exquisite photograph, but also in the finely-crafted walnut frame. Although the nature of this photograph draws you in close to take in every detail, be sure to step back enough to appreciate the carefully composed tonal modulations and to experience the depth of its spiritual feeling.

Best Drawing
Silvana Siudut from Methuen’s pencil: “Sunny Nap”

Even the staunchest dog person would find it hard not to love this feline. Siudut has perfectly captured the character and gentle soul of this beloved pet.

Best Fine Craft
Nancy Powers of Newburyport for her necklace entitled “Penobscot Dancer Neckpiece”

Powers’ achievement lies in the exuberance of the design in a material and discipline that is unforgiving.



Best Photo
Matthew Shelter of Byfield, MA for his “Winter Haystack”

Evoking nostalgia and familiar comfort, this photograph combines everything one looks for in fine art- a beautiful composition, masterful technique which is appropriate and enhances the subject, and a presentation that suits the whole.

Best Digital Photo
Judith Robinson-Cox of Gloucester for her “Blue Reflections”

Blue Reflections reveals the full potential of digital photography for transforming what was originally an ordinary view into a powerful, fantastic vision.

Honorable Mention
Jim Fenton of Haverhill for his photo “The Chase”

Fenton’s photographs reveal the discerning eye of an expert observer of nature. The variety of textures, patterns and colors are a feast for the eye.


Honorable Mention
Michael Haley of Marblehead for his print “Winter at the Landing”

Haley’s abstracted boats at dock is both fresh and refreshing. By softening the hard geometry of this cropped image and subtly modulating the color, he’s created a compelling and pleasing image.

Honorable Mention
John Geesink of Newburyport for his Digital Photo “Dreaming of May in Maudslay”

This is indeed a “dreamy” image, though what impresses most is not a longing for spring, but the arresting juxtapositions. The foreground tree is highlighted in digital against an impenetrable evergreen backdrop that seems star-spattered, adding a mystical feeling to an otherwise realistic image.

Honorable Mention
Alan B. Ward of Newbury for his color photo “Morning Mist”

With a well-honed, selective eye, Ward has distilled the quiet of morning in this elegant photograph.





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