DESTINATION: NEW ENGLAND
Winter will soon be upon us now and we all know what that means: holidays, celebrations, and togetherness. And, if we’re lucky, a snowfall or two. Winter is underappreciated. For many, it is a time of reawakening, of reflection and contemplation before the new year. English poet, painter, and printmaker William Blake wrote, “In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” Make this a winter of enjoyment and exploration. Seek out new destinations, galleries and events—experience art in new ways.
Art New England’s Destination sections exist for that very reason, to help you capture that spirit of joy.
Williams College Museum of Art—Williamstown, MA
The Williams College Museum of Art, located on the beautiful Williams College campus nestled in the Berkshire hills, creates and inspires exceptional opportunities for students, faculty and the public to have meaningful experiences with art. On view through December 22 is Teddy Sandoval and the Butch Gardens School of Art, the first museum retrospective dedicated to Teddy Sandoval (1949–1995). Sandoval was a central figure in Los Angeles’s queer and Chicanx artistic circles and an active participant in United States and international avant-garde movements. This exhibition assembles works by the artist across many media alongside those by other queer, Latinx and Latin American artists who share similar graphic sensibilities. Also on view through December 22 is Pallavi Sen: Colour Theory, an immersive installation of new work by interdisciplinary artist and Williams College assistant professor of art Pallavi Sen. Admission is always free.
Vernon Street Studios—Somerville, MA
Vernon Street Studios hosts Fall/Winter Open Studios on December 7 and 8. One of the oldest open studios events in the Greater Boston Area, Vernon Street Studios has been recognized as a community well-known for the great quality of work produced by both established and emerging artists. The open studios event allows visitors to see first-hand the work that goes into creating this art, learn about the creative process, meet and interact with artists in the spaces where they create, purchase original artwork and discover new talent. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Vernon Street Studios’ open studio event, an important occasion marked by a special exhibit at the Nave Gallery in Somerville this December as well as smaller events throughout the fall. Support local artists and become a part of the creative community around you at this annual event.
Nantucket Historical Association—Nantucket, MA
The Nantucket Historical Association is proud to present Tony Sarg: Genius at Play, the first comprehensive exhibition of the life and work of illustrator, puppeteer, author and designer Tony Sarg, on view through December 31. Sarg is perhaps most famous as the father of modern puppetry in North America and as the originator of the now-iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. The exhibition is on view in the McCausland Gallery at the Nantucket Whaling Museum and was organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in partnership with the Nantucket Historical Association. Sarg spent summers on Nantucket, being inspired by the nature and community there for almost twenty years. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a lifetime of work by one of America’s foremost puppeteers.
