Following up the summer member’s exhibit, the Marblehead Arts Association is hosting seven solo member shows open for public viewing at the historic King Hooper Mansion on 8 Hooper St. The shows, spread throughout the mansion’s three floors, are open 12-5 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday free of charge. The shows will close on September 24 to make way for the Photography Member Show and the “Fresh” Show beginning on September 30.
The first door to the left upon entering the Hooper Mansion leads to the stunning black and white world of Patricia Scialo’s photography exhibit, “The Handmade Photograph.” Scialo’s work incorporates unconventional photography techniques such as papermaking and encaustic wax printing described in posters hung alongside the artwork. In her artist statement, Scialo said, “I find ways to manipulate how light is perceived, continually looking to create abstractions that provoke and question the viewer giving them the opportunity to pause and look closer.” Scialo intends to host a sun print workshop available to teens and adults for $35 on September 14, 12-2 p.m. to share a little part of her artistic process with the community.
Sharing the first floor with Scialo is Louis and Marjorie Rizzo’s painting exhibit entitled “Louis.” Their work uses vibrant pastels to depict scenes of beaches, boats and even portraits. Neighboring them is Dan Zampino’s collection of sculptures in slate relief entitled “Sculptures Inspired By Travel.” Zampino’s reliefs feature recognizable motifs from all over the world, including Egypt, India, Mexico, Cambodia, Italy and the United States. In his artist statement Zampino reflects on the effect travel has had on his own creativity, and his desire to use art to tell a diverse variety of stories.
The second floor of the mansion hosts three more exhibits, including Joe Votano’s photography show “In the Spirit of Andrew Wyeth.” Although American visual artist Wyeth was best known for genre paintings such as “Christina’s World,” Votano’s photography certainly embodies his spirit of haunting realism through the use of muted colors and dramatic compositions. Across the hall is Michele J. Kenna’s collage collection entitled “A Layered Life … Finding Meaning in Collage.”
Kenna writes in her statement that collage-making has helped her process her personal grief, and recurring themes of life and death are visible throughout her work. Combining scraps of newspaper, old photographs, acrylic paints and even watercolors, Kenna’s collages are small but striking.
In the Cushman Gallery at the base of the stairs to the third floor lies “Look,” an oil painting exhibit by Shawn Stolarz. Heavily featuring the likenesses of popular 90s models such as Kate Moss and Georgia Palmer, high school junior Stolarz explores his interest in human anatomy by trying to capture the distinct ‘look’ of each subject.
Finally, on the top floor of the mansion is Janet Wolahan’s “Coast to Cósta,” a collection of paintings featuring nautical themes such as lobster traps, coastal towns and serene wildlife. Inspired by her home in Rockport and her travels to the coast of Ireland, Wolahan draws inspiration from the sea’s vital presence in her everyday life.
The majority of these artists’ work is still available for in-person viewing at the King Hooper Mansion. All works, including sold pieces, are also accessible on the MAA’s website at marbleheadarts.org.
