More than 30 New Hampshire artists will display and sell their work in the annual summer member show at Two Villages Art Society’s gallery in the Hopkinton village of Contoocook. The show, “Celebrating the Artist Next Door, opens May 20 with a reception from 12:00-2:00 p.m. and runs through June 17. All exhibitors in the show and sale are members of the society, a nonprofit organization that offers exhibits, workshops, and other cultural programming and events.
Exhibiting artists include Andy Hampton, Owen Krzyzaniak Geary, Sher Kamman, Elizabeth Leone Holmes, Gail Smuda, Pamela R. Tarbell, Lawrence Morgan, Elizabeth MacBride, and many more Two Villages Art Society (TVAS) members from Hopkinton, Bradford, New Boston, Chichester, and other nearby towns. Their work includes paintings and drawings, book and fiber arts, pottery, and prints.
“We’re very pleased to present our annual summer members show, which gives local artists an opportunity to participate in a group exhibit and share their work with a wider audience,” says Alyssa McKeon, executive director of TVAS. “The work is incredibly varied in terms of medium, style, size, as well as price point. There is truly something for everyone, and besides that, it’s a great chance to meet up with friends in a space filled with art.”
One exhibitor is Jules Robinson, of Birds on the Wing Design Studio in Concord. A wildlife biologist by training, she creates jewelry using natural materials like minerals, bone, and sea glass, as well as unique decorative and wearable pieces fashioned from wool and silk. Potter Andy Hampton, of Chichester, blends Oriental and early American traditions to create teapots, bowls, and other ceramic pieces.
“Most of these artists have exhibited widely and are well-known as artists and teachers, while others are in the earlier stages of being professionals in their fields,” McKeon says. “They are all extremely talented, and we are excited to see what they bring to our walls. It will be a lively and colorful exhibit.”
There will be an opening reception Saturday, May 20, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the gallery at 846 Main Street, Contoocook. The reception will feature live music by Lindy and Charlie Head and a short awards ceremony presenting “Best in Show” and “Artist Merit.”
Two Villages Art Society (TVAS) was founded in 2019 as an organization for artists, art lovers, art collectors, art educators, and all who value art as a crucial component of a vibrant, welcoming community. Its gallery on Main Street in Contoocook (part of the town of Hopkinton) offered events as “the House of Art” prior the founding of the nonprofit TVAS. In addition to exhibits and sales, the organization provides artist meet-ups, educational programs, and other cultural events. Membership is open to all, and admission to the gallery is free to the public.