DESTINATION NEW ENGLAND
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rior to the pandemic, Art New England focused on one Destination at a time each issue. When ANE relaunched amidst the pandemic, it took a while for destinations to re-open and we decided that we’d welcome anyone and everyone across the region and wait out an organic return to the previous approach. Destination: New England allows for more flexibility, through every season. Summer is here and ’tis the season of carpe diem. Events that were once paused are now on full speed ahead. Travelers are planning— and they’re realizing all they need for that special summer getaway is right here in New England: relaxation, contemplation, and fascination. And always a little education. Have fun and pack lightly as you embark on an adventure of art and intrigue.
CENTERBROOK, CT
Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisan Store— founded by the esteemed Arts Center Killingworth—recently celebrated its eighth anniversary, and has been named “Best Gallery on the Shoreline” in public polls several years in a row. Spectrum presents six exhibitions annually, each of which is carefully curated and themed. The art on display runs the gambit in methods and mediums and originates from artists from around New England, the New York tri-state area, and beyond. The attached Artisan Store features an extensive selection of
fine crafts and jewelry. In addition to the lovely collection of art and artisan craft, Spectrum also offers classes and workshops for all experience levels, often led by the artists represented at the gallery. “When visitors drop into Spectrum for the first time, we always hear them exclaiming, ‘Wow! What a beautiful space. Wish I had known about this place sooner,’” says executive director Barbara Nair. Spectrum and the Arts Center are also well-known for presenting two outdoor arts festivals: The Summer Arts Festival (in June) and The Autumn Arts Festival on the Madison Connecticut Town Green (Columbus Day Weekend). Both are filled with art, nature, and music.
NEWPORT, RI
Great news! The Newport Show is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The Show is a long-running and beloved highlight of Aquidneck Island summers and the Newport Historical Society—not to mention devoted fans and visitors—are thrilled to see its return. Established in 2007, the Newport Show is a twoday shopping experience and fundraiser that brings dealers of vintage and antique fine art, fashion, jewelry, and furniture to single location. The Show serves as a foundational fundraising event for both the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and this year will be held at a brand-new location, the Audrain Middletown at 250 West
Main Road in Newport. If you’re looking to find, view, and buy unique vintage pieces and support two great organizations in the process, the Newport Show is your destination on July 30 and 31, with a gala preview party on the evening of July 29. Summer just isn’t complete without spending time in one of New England’s most lovely and nautical spots.
DARTMOUTH & WESTPORT, MA Perfect for a day trip or weekend adventure, The Art Drive is a self-guided open studio weekend across the south coast towns of Dartmouth and Westport. With a mere 15 miles separating the studios, visitors can enjoy a brief yet scenic drive through the stunning, pictureperfect coastal region and historic towns. Now in its 14th year, the annual Art Drive is organized and presented by a collaborative effort between participating artists, with support from grants and local businesses. The Art Drive is also a juried program featuring artists working in a multitude of mediums, from woodworking to traditional painting and beyond. Online directories, artist profiles, and professionally designed brochures and maps offer visitors many ways to learn, explore, and truly experience “the drive.” This is a perfect way to spend the weekend of August 5–7, meandering through beautiful vistas and engaging directly with individual artists and the south coast art community in a fun and personal way.
WHERE TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY • 3 EXHIBITIONS & MORE
JUNE 16TH – SEPTEMBER 12TH DOWNTOWN NEW BEDFORD
VISIT 61 MAIN ST. CENTERBROOK, CT OPEN WED-SAT 12-6PM & SUN 12-5PM
All free and open to the public
CLOUDS, WINDS & BREEZES GALLERY SHOW VISIT THROUGH JULY 10, 2022 FUN & PLEASURE GALLERY SHOW OPEN RECEPTION JULY 22 (6:30-9PM) VISIT JULY 22-SEPT 10, 2022
Shop Online 24/7 www.spectrumanytime.com DATMA.ORG
60 Art New England
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July/August 2022
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NEW ENGLAND NEW BEDFORD, MA An hour south of Boston and just 40 minutes east of Providence, RI, New Bedford, MA is home to what has become one of the region’s pre-eminent summer arts and culture events—a programming series presented by the non-collecting contemporary art institute known as DATMA (Design, Art, Technology, Massachusetts). This year’s series, SHELTER, “is highlighting artists who create using modern design tools and technologies, while preserving the heartfelt significance of a home. Each artist in our 2022 lineup investigates the future of what shelter can be while asking the question of what shelter has meant to each of them,” explains Lindsay Mis, executive director of DATMA. Through September 12, visitors will enjoy and experience multiple art exhibitions, student workshops,
walking tours, a concert presented by the Seaglass Theatre Company, and Family Design Days—all examining the history, economy, and culture of Massachusetts’s south coast region. In addition to home and shelter, other topics explored include the Underground Railroad that harbored African Americans from slavery, the 9,100-foot-long hurricane barrier that protects the harbor of the nation’s most lucrative fishing port in the United States, and more. All events are centered in downtown New Bedford, within walking distance of each other and are free and accessible to everyone.
LACONIA, NH It’s a gallery, it’s a garden, it’s a respite away from the chaos and challenges of everyday existence. It’s an investment in yourself and
an artistic indulgence. The Lakes Gallery at Chi-Lin is a lovely destination any time of year yet in summer you’ll experience its exquisite gardens where poetry readings take place and meditative moments abound. Laconia, NH’s lakes region is postcard perfect and has long been a popular destination for boating, hiking, and water sports on lakes Winnisquam and Winnepesaukee. Make time during your visit for one of gallery proprietor Suzanne Lee’s summer exhibitions, the first of which is A Summer Song, opening July 2. Additional summer programming includes several poetry readings, calligraphy workshops, and the gallery’s signature “Process” series where featured artists share their creative practices and, perhaps, a few secrets. The gardens are also a highlight of the Opechee Garden Club Tour on July 16.
AUGUST
5/6/7 2022
A Juried
Studio Tour
through the Coastal Villages of
Dartmouth & Westport
THE LAKES GALLERY AT CHI-LIN
antiques | art | exquisite objects
40 Years of FINE CONTEMPORARY NEW ENGLAND & ASIAN ART
Saturday, July 30 – Sunday, July 31, 2022 gala preview party : friday , july 29 A Summer Song and…
A Touch of Gold Laconia, NH 603-556-9384 thelakesgallery.com
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presenting sponsor :
new location :
Audrain Middletown 250 West Main Road | Middletown, RI to benefit the newport historical society and the boys & girls clubs of newport county
TheNewportShow.com
July/August 2022
| Art New England 61