Exhibit at Mystic Coffee Roaster Celebrates a Celebration
Fresh paint and freshly roasted coffee brought artists and supporters of the arts together on a picture-perfect fall Sunday afternoon. The “Plein Air in the Square: Impressions of the Mystic River Celebration” exhibit includes seven local artists who participated in last week’s festivities at the Condon Shell: Jennifer DesAutels, Sophie Glikson, Peg Kane, Vin Maganzini, Linda Scola, Benjamin Warren, Karen Wibhey. Several of the artists were present to discuss their works in pastel, acrylic and oil.
The exhibit treats the viewer to many glimpses through artists’ eyes of the Mystic River Celebration, a growing and vibrant new fall tradition in the heart of Medford. The artists are grateful to Mystic Coffee Roaster for hosting the exhibit.
Medford resident and award-winning landscape artist Linda Scola painted a beautiful portrait of a tree in its fall glory surrounded by the other vibrant colors of the scene. Ms. Scola is also a member of the Mystic Art Gallery.
Malden artist Peg Kane arrived early for the event and worked for five hours to produce a stunning piece entitled “Reflections of the Mystic.” It is an impressionist snapshot of the serene Mystic River and the residential area on its historic banks. The image wraps around the frame in her signature style.
Medford artist Sophie Glikson created a piece that connects the viewer with the festive experience of the event through her vivid, abstract pastel strokes. It is titled, appropriately, “Festive.” Ms. Glikson is an expressive therapist who is also a member of Medford’s brand-new cooperative gallery, the Mystic Art Gallery, next door to Citizen’s Bank in the square.
Medford native Vincent Maganzini participated in the Mystic River Celebration paint-out event for the first time this year. He was excited about the opportunity to pick up his oil paints again after a long hiatus. His pieces include an oil painting which has an appealing perspective of the activity in front of the Condon Shell.
Medford artist Benjamin Warren captured the plein air painting experience itself. His composition includes the river path, the Winthrop Street Bridge, the colors and textures of nature, and one of the artists working. Mr. Warren is also an active member of the Mystic Art Gallery.
Arlington artist Karen Wibhey chose a farm stand vendor for her subject. She was able to capture the glowing colors of a classic New England autumn.
Medford illustrator Jenn DesAutels chose to paint a three-panel piece, or triptych, in order to highlight some of the myriad activities of the event. On the left is a parent with a child, in the center panel is a view of a line of booths and spectators, and on the right is a band on the stage at the Condon Shell.
The exhibit continues through November 2. It is free and open to the public during regular business hours at the Mystic Coffee Roaster. 25% or more of any art sales will be donated to CACHE in Medford by the artists, to sustain community events including a popular summer street festival series, Circle the Square in Medford. This exhibit is part of the Arts Across Medford lineup of events during the month of October, organized by CACHE in Medford and made possible by funding through the Medford Arts Council, a local agent of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Some of the art featured at Mystic Coffee Roaster in Medford Square
Cheryl Pendenza and Ken Krause
Linda Scola and Ben Warren
Jenn DesAutels
– Information and photos from Jenn DesAutels