Mystic, Connecticut
The 52nd Regional Exhibit by Mystic Art Association was my third group exhibition. Participating in this exhibit was more costly because it was far from home. Subsequently, each trip to the exhibition hall was a 1-hour 45-minute drive one way, and I had to go three times. In order: the first trip was for drop-off, the second for the reception, and then lastly, the pick-up. Also, it was a family trip each time that included eating out, gas, etc. As a result, it was a time-consuming and costly adventure. However, I needed to connect with the art scene, meet people and make contacts.
Event Literature – 52nd Regional Exhibition by Mystic Art Association
Opening Reception (8-14-2008) – 52nd Regional Exhibition
Another excellent opening reception is at the Mystic Art Center on August 14th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The gallery was packed, and I was surprised to get into this show after seeing all the beautiful paintings dropped off during the receiving hours. Upon arrival at the opening reception, I was further surprised to see my artwork hanging in the main gallery directly next to the first-place winner. Therefore, I could not have asked for a better-hanging location.
“River Through the Adirondacks”
“River Through the Adirondacks”
hangs to the right of 1st prize winner!
Meeting other Artists – 52nd Regional Exhibition
Later, after the awards ceremony, Jennifer and I had time to mingle with the other artists. Before the evening ended, we met several artists, some of whom you can see in the following pictures.
Jennifer and John O’Keefe Jr (right)
Annelie Skoog and David Madacsi (right)
(Showing our artworks that did not
get accepted into the Exhibit.)
Overall I had another excellent experience at the 52 Regional Exhibition by the Mystic Art Association. Even though the journey from my home to the venue is long, I definitely would like to exhibit with them again.
About the Judge – 52nd Regional Exhibition
Susan Swinand is a visual artist from the Philadelphia area who has been living and working in Shrewsbury, MA, since 1984. She has taught painting at the Worcester Art Museum in central MA for over 20 years and was an adjunct painting and design instructor at Clark University from 1992 to 2004. She also currently teaches painting classes in the greenhouses of Wellesley College.
Susan graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia in 1965. An Emily Sartain fellowship allowed her to travel in Europe and to study in Austria with Italian painter Emilio Vedova. On her return, she attended the Barnes Foundation for two years, where she studied the Philosophy and Appreciation of Art.
She has been active in many art organizations, serving on the boards of Moore College of Art, ArtsWorcester, and the Artists’ Equity Association. Also, she was president of Philadelphia Artists Equity in 1978-80, receiving their Distinguished Service Award in 1981. Additionally, she was the director of the ArtsWorcester Gallery at the Forum Theatre for many years.
Her work has been exhibited in over a hundred juried, invitational, solo, and group shows. 1, 2
Footnotes:
- Image of Susan Swinand from her website ~ 8-15-08.
- Bio information for Susan Swinand from her website ~ 8-15-08.