From the Publisher – September 2022

I felt a chill the other night and welcomed it. I’m ready for apples, football and snow—and for a fall season full of art. Fall in New England is always exciting and this year, we’re fully open, postponed exhibitions are happening, in-person events are returning, and there’s
a buzz and optimism felt across the region.

And while it was mostly a summer of hard work, I caught a few fine days by the water and stopped into several galleries along the way. I always notice myself saying “thank you” as I leave a gallery. It’s automatic, whether or not we’ve engaged in conversation with the gallerist, or whether or not we’ve purchased anything. There’s just something so inherently natural about saying “thank you” as we exit.

Why do we do that? Because we know on some level just how much work goes into running a gallery space. Galleries are think tanks, safe spaces, mini-museums, and spaces of absolute wonder. We step into a gallery and embark on a journey, not knowing where the artist will take us, only knowing we’re willing and we trust it will be different and exciting. Running a gallery is a monumental effort, regardless of size, how many artists are represented, or where it’s located. It takes grit, commitment, and passion. Our thanks
are warranted.

This issue spends time with some of New England’s most interesting voices in the gallery world. Some you may know, others you may be meeting for the first time. And similar to last year, we’ve spoken to women gallerists again. From my vantage, women have been the key to the arts’ pandemic recovery and have everything to say on the subject of running their businesses and advising artists. Kelly Holt’s conversations (page 46) revealed valuable information for artists seeking representation, a push in the right direction, and a spark of inspiration.

We also have a great piece by Chris Volpe as he reveals NXTHVN’s newest artist fellows and curators (page 26)—including multi-disciplinary artist Modupeola Fadugba, who graces our cover. Cynthia Close previews Babaroosa, a new immersive experience opening in Vermont in 2024 (page 30); Julianna Thibodeaux talks with Jon Butcher about his music career (page 20) and how all roads lead to the blues; Bret Chenkin shares his afternoon with Pat Adams, who at 94 is hitting her stride (page 16); and we write about several incredible outdoor “gallery” experiences, including Keene, NH’s wheatpaste murals, The Steel Yard’s iron pour in Providence, RI; and SculptureNow in Lenox, MA. And check out Artist Directory! This work is powerful, fresh, and we encourage you to visit these websites. The artists would love to hear from you.

Beginning this issue, Art New England is introducing its readership to the artistic talents of its “gallery” of writers (and staff). It’s amazing how many of our writers make art and it’s time we bragged about them. In this issue you’ll read about Susan Wadsworth’s show at Gallery Sitka (page 81) as written by artist/writer Abbi Kenny and Shanta Lee’s Dark Goddess exhibition at the Fleming Museum (page 82) by first-time ANE contributor Desmond Peeples. I want to thank longtime ANE writer and artist B. Amore for helping to inspire this idea.

Please join Art New England at the Boston International Fine Art Show, October 20–23—attend our panel as we continue the conversation on finding gallery representation—we’ll be there all weekend. And we’ll be at the TransCultural Exchange Conference in November. After three long years, ANE is re-entering the social scene albeit cautiously. By the time you read this we’ll have hosted our first gathering in three years at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, MA, south of Boston—a beautiful, multi-faceted space with a fascinating history. There is so much great art in these hidden gems throughout the region. Thank you to Art Complex Museum and to artist Gillian Christy whose sculptures provided a striking backdrop.

It’s been quite the summer. It was jam-packed with grim news and giant political steps backwards. The sheer scope of tragedy from gun violence to the overturning of Roe to the threat of Trump’s return. I will close with a reminder to vote in November. Vote as if the democracy of the United States depended on it. Oh, wait, it does.

And after voting, wear that “I Voted” sticker proudly while you visit galleries and strike up conversations. And remember to say thank you.

Enjoy the issue,

Tim Montgomery
Publisher

---