From the Publisher – September 2024

Energized

“You know how you feel somebody looking at you, and you turn, and somebody actually is?
It’s the same at an art gallery. You’re looking at one portrait, turn around, and there is a work
of art directly behind you. Because it’s all energy. Every single thing has energy.”
— Marina Abramovic, conceptual and performance artist

It’s been a red hot summer. Hot with rhetoric and anticipation. Now, hot with hope. It’s been a summer hot with tension and temperature. Traditionally a time of wonder and wandering, the summer of ’24 kept us on the edge of our seats. It was history-making. Hope and history are in the making. What an incredible backdrop for creativity. How inspired are we now? How will we harness this new momentum and energy? As artists, writers, educators, and makers.

It’s been a busy summer and yet I cannot believe it’s September. Fall doesn’t feel quite so much like we’re falling into the rabbit hole, though. Autumn’s winds of change are blowing in the right direction. And while it’s cooling off—just a little—outside, inside, our galleries, libraries, campuses, and performing arts centers are heating up with exhibitions, lectures, concerts, performances, and announcements. Students are filling campuses, calendars are filling with openings, and galleries are unveiling new work. It’s back to school, back to business, with energy and enthusiasm restored.

September/October has always been Art New England’s Gallery Issue. While we highlight galleries all year round, we could never fully capture the spirit and devotion and hard work that comprises a gallerist’s life. This issue is our way of saying that “we get it” and we’re grateful. It’s also important to keep discussing the ever-expanding definition of a “gallery” and “alternative venue.” I spent an afternoon earlier this summer at 14 Cedar Street Studios in Amesbury, MA, and was so inspired by the work, the sense of community and spirit, and also by the charming town of Amesbury. It sparked the artist mills piece written by Autumn Duke. There are so many artist mills across New England. Look no further for a cool day trip.

This issue also includes the first of two pieces on Ground Breaking Women Breaking New Ground. Cynthia Close spoke with Doreen Kraft (Burlington City Arts, Burlington, VT) and Emily O’Neil (New Art Center, Newton, MA). We may not always fully appreciate an art center’s mission, its multi-faceted agenda, and what it takes to keep all the parts moving. They are galleries, classrooms, performance centers—and they are vital to the arts and arts education.

You’ll also meet, courtesy of writer Eve Schaub, the multi-talented and multi-hyphenate Ellen Nettles, who is expanding her Art Now Management consulting business and launching Art Now Advisory as a resource for new and existing gallerists in need of guidance, expertise and support. Nettles is a seasoned pro with a staunch belief in the future of galleries.

One of the most important missions of this magazine is to share what’s happening in the small pockets of New England, not just the vibrant, bustling hubs where we expect great art and conversation to be found. There is equally as much great art and fanfare occurring in the suburbs, in rural areas, and in towns you may be driving through completely unaware of the art exhibition you just flew by. This issue reminds you to slow down and find these spaces. And, by perfect example, we hope you’ll make a plan to visit North Reading, MA, on Saturday, October 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. and celebrate Art New England’s 45th anniversary, hosted by Ally Paladino of Inner Space Fine Arts. Our cover, Elusive Orchid by Elise Freda, evoking feminine energy and empowerment, will be on view in Garden (Un) Variety at Inner Space. In this issue, Paige Farrell profiles Paladino, a passionate gallerist with an eye for color, craft and a warm, inclusive spirit. Mark your calendars now. We look forward to seeing you.

While your Calendars are out, flip through our fourteen pages of Exhibition Listings and plan your September and October gallery hops. Our Destination sections highlight Vermont and New England happenings and Artist Directory will introduce you to some of the coolest emerging and established artists out there. Visit their sites, start a conversation, expand (or start) your art collection.

I want to close my letter with a loving send-off to an amazing man and artist whose art was infused with the most incredible energy, wit, sarcasm and humor. I’d spent hours in Fish City Studios, Jon Sarkin’s workspace in Gloucester, MA. His door was always open and more often than not, Jon was in there. His laughter carried down the street. I walked past Fish City in early July, in a hurry, heard voices and did not stop in to say hello. I will always regret that. Sarkin passed away on July 19, 2024, in his beloved studio. He lit up Art New England’s July/August cover in 2011 (shown on the adjacent page) and gave the most riveting speech at our issue launch party at the Cape Ann Museum. If you’re unfamiliar with Sarkin’s journey as an artist, please visit his website, jonsarkin.com, or pick up a copy of Shadows Bright as Glass: The Remarkable Story of One Man’s Journey from Brain Trauma to Artistic Triumph by Amy Ellis Nutt. I will miss his laugh yet treasure the cappuccinos we shared at Caffé Sicilia and the numerous sketches and album covers that I’ve collected over the years. And enjoy every day in my office. His is a story of fearlessness and authenticity, of warmth and generosity, of gutsy artistic exploration after a life-altering injury. I will remember his energy and tap into it during my off days. I hope you’ll visit his site and tap into his energy as well.

And I hope you are all making plans to vote. Vote early, vote absentee, just please vote. Drive a friend. Let’s keep this energy going…

In gratitude,

Rita A. Fucillo
Publisher

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