Congratulations to the People’s Choice Winners

The 2nd Annual nESA Sculpture Exhibit at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill ValleyCAST, the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services, collaborated again this year with the new England Sculptors Association to bring yet another unique exhibit of sculpture to the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill Complex.

Over 30 sculptures were included in the exhibit and displayed inside the gallery, out on the Community Plaza, and around the grounds of the Mill Complex. Artists from all over new England were represented in the exhibit. Prizes for favorites were awarded by people’s choice for first, second, and third place. Voting took place on-line and in-person. “It has been such a privilege to work with such talented artists.” Commented Cristi Collari, judge and curator for the exhibit, and Director of Community Outreach for Open Sky. “This year’s exhibit was absolutely stunning! We can’t wait to collaborate with nESA again next year.”

First prize and $300 went to Chris Plaisted of new Milford, CT for his inside, pedestal sculpture

“Celestial Sphere” created out of steel. Second prize and $200 went to Carla Goldberg of Milford, CT for her inside, wall mounted “Between the Islands of Jura and Scarab” made with oil ink, resin, and enamel on acrylic panel. And third prize and $100 went to Domenic Esposito of Westwood for his inside, wall mounted sculpture “Assailable” created from bronze and mounted on an oil painted wood panel.

Although the inside gallery exhibit has come down to make room for the ValleyCAST 10th Annual Art Palette Contest, you can still view the outside sculpture on the complex grounds by the following artists: Roe Osborn, Madeleine Lord, Philip Marshall, and Stephen Paulson until midApril, 2023. To learn more about the new England Sculptors Association, visit nesculptors.org.

To learn more about ValleyCAST and/or Open Sky Community Services, visit openskycs.org.

ABOUT nESA: The new England Sculptors Association was founded in 1948 by a group of sculptors, students, and teachers at the Museum School. Two years after the organization was formed, nESA sponsored the first large, outdoor exhibit of sculpture in new England on the grounds of the Museum School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. nESA has had exhibits every year since then, many in several of the leading museums and galleries of the region.

ABOUT VALLEYCAST: ValleyCAST’s mission is to foster a creative and engaged community in the Historic Blackstone Valley that is inclusive and supportive of all people with and without disabilities. ValleyCAST is the arts and culture arm of Open Sky Community Services.

ABOUT OPEn SKY COMMUnITY SERVICES: By blending best practices with the power of community, Open Sky provides individuals and families with the support they need to see beyond and live beyond perceived limitations to pursue fulfilling lives.

At Right: NESA President and artist, Domenic Esposito of Westwood, MA with his bronze sculpture Assailable.