P R E S E RV I N G H I S TO RY
Art in a Beautiful Outdoor Setting ArtShare mini exhibits invite the public to explore By Cassie Horner Photography courtesy of the Woodstock History Center
Late 19th-century cow pull toy with a wooden body covered with cowhide. Apple Blossoms, an early 20th-century painting by Woodstock resident Ellen Kidder.
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rtShare, now in its second season, will again highlight some of the Woodstock History Center’s extensive collection. The success of the project was evident last year in the gatherings of people around the display, engaged by the images and objects. ArtShare is located next to the Town Crier (“Smiler”) on Elm Street. In recent years, the Center’s extensive grounds, which include the Town Crier area and a back lawn with river frontage, have attracted people who wish to relax, socialize, picnic, and view outdoor art and sculpture. Plans are currently in the works to add a children’s garden and outdoor learning environment to the grounds as a way of engaging preschool visitors.
Detail from a marine painting by Henry Seymour (Harry) Chase, who was born in Woodstock.
“We were looking for a way we could reach out to the public seasonally from late spring into the fall.” — Jennie Shurtleff, director of public engagement A GLIMPSE OF THE LARGER COLLECTION
“The genesis of the idea for ArtShare occurred during the pandemic,” says Jennie Shurtleff, director of public engagement. “We were looking for a way we could reach out to the public seasonally from late spring into the fall.” The challenge was to create a small structure to showcase mini exhibits that could be changed easily. “We reached out to Charlie Shackleton, owner of Charles Shackleton Furniture in Bridgewater,” says
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Matt Powers, executive director. “He asked around and Nick English of Petite & English came forward.” This proved to be a perfect combination of talent and creativity for the project. The result is a beautiful two-sided structure for outdoors that can also be used inside the History Center. “It was a complicated project that he designed,” Jennie says. “He was glad to be involved because of the public art aspect. People can open a door to take postcard images that they like.” For example, one of the exhibits in