Galleries in bloom for Newburyport ArtWalk

June 26, 2008 12:14 am

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The natural beauty of the area's gardens takes center stage Saturday for the next in a series of walking gallery tours through downtown Newburyport.

ArtWalk will highlight 15 galleries around the downtown. Many of the venues are featuring new exhibits, and artists will be on hand at several of the stops to discuss their work.

The tour runs from 3 to 7 p.m., with refreshments available along the way. Here's a look at what the participating galleries have planned:

r Bridge Gallery, 113 Merrimac St.: Two shows are on exhibit — "Kaleidoscope" featuring pastels by gallery artist Kim Henry and "Floral Abundance" featuring paintings of local gardens, bouquets and floral displays..Guitarist Donna Ricci will perform from 5 to 7 p.m.

r Chameleon, 18 Liberty St.: New work by artist Julia Purinton.

r Child at Heart Gallery, 48 Inn St.: The paintings of Irena Roman, including the original watercolor irises used for the cover of "Say Good Night to Illiteracy" (8th edition), and the Concord Thoreau period map created by.her husband, John Roman.

r Churchill Gallery, 6 Inn St.: New works by gallery artists, including newcomers Peter Batchelder (vivid oils of New England architecture), Logan Hagege (oils of figures in landscapes), Laura Litwa Holden (contemporary oils of fantasy landscapes) and Shoshannah White (photography and encaustic wax paintings).

r Connor Summers Gallery, 48 Market St.: "Flora and Fauna" exhibit.

r Ferry Wharf Gallery, 1R Water St.: "Darkroom to Digital," the photography of Newburyport resident Karen Lynch, who combines conventional technique and contemporary technology to create her fine art images. Her works are created with an impressionist's eye toward nature, landscapes and abstract images. She dedicates the exhibit to her professional photographer parents, who she credits for her "photographer's eye" and her commitment to capturing the rich details of her life.

r Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square: "Out in the Open Secrets," featuring the paintings of Lane Williamson, a former resident of Ring's Island in Salisbury.

r Indigo Studio, 53 Middle St.: Colorful collection of new monotypes and paintings referencing nature, landscape and an array of garden delights by Mary Pollak and Lillian Coolidge.

r Lepore Fine Arts, 58 Merrimac St.: American and European paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries.

r Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St.: "Through Our Eyes," featuring images from the association's Photography Interest Group, and "Seductions," botanical and landscape photographs by Paul Osborne and Catherine Davis of Beverly.

r Off the Wall, 57 Pleasant St.: Floral photography of Pamela Mansell

r Somerby's Landing Sculpture Park, Newburyport waterfront: Contemporary outdoor sculpture by New England and national artists.

r Spirit of Newburyport Gallery, 49 Water St.: Debut of Jon-William Brown's "Garden of Newburyport" series and final exhibit for the gallery at the historic 1729 Counting House.

r Valerie's Gallery, 12 State St.: The works of printmaker Matthew Smith, known for his innovative technique of copper block etchings.

r Walsingham Gallery, 47 Merrimac St.: "Exploring the Garden," featuring the award-winning pastels and oils of plein air artist Julie Airoldi and her interpretation of the abundant garden and a thriving natural environment. Also, the paintings of John Flynn, Judy Metcalfe and other Walsingham artists.

Maps directing visitors are available at each location, the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce on Merrimac Street, as well as at www.newburyportartwalk.com.

Two more ArtWalks are planned this year: Aug. 23 with a theme of Art and Music to include live musical performances, and Oct. 25 with a theme of Art and Harvest.

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