The Marblehead Arts Association hosted a reception for the opening of its Winter Member Show on Nov. 10. The King Hooper Mansion was packed with artists, MAA members and others exploring more than 175 artworks spread over three floors. The show ends Dec. 24.
This is the second of the MAA’s two annual showcases open exclusively to member artists, following the 2023 Summer Member Show in July and August. Although the member shows typically don’t have a required theme, many of the submitted artworks include fall and winter motifs, such as snowy landscapes or warm autumn tones. The pieces were judged by two MAA members representing photography and the fine arts and winners and honorable mentions are marked by ribbons.
Hanging a show of this size is a lot of work.
“We have to consider how the work is in this space,” said MAA curator Paul McMahan, describing the process of finding the perfect spot to hang a piece. Board President Jim Murphy agreed, stressing that it can take around 80 hours to hang such a large show. The work that goes into finding the right lighting, position and area for each piece is often felt rather than seen. For example, McMahan pointed out how he had hung a landscape so the focal point on the horizon perfectly aligned with the average-sized viewer’s line of sight.
“If we’ve done our job well, people don’t notice.”
The piece “After a While” by Alicia Cohen, hanging above the mantle on the second floor, catches the eye with dramatic placing and a bright red “Judge’s Choice” ribbon. Cohen, well-known for her hyper-realistic painting of animals, has wowed the judges this time around with a striking composition of a small bird perched in front of a crocodile.
The Winter Show seemingly has something for everyone, from sweeping landscapes to impressionistic portraits to stunning photography. James Murphy won an honorable mention for his close-up photo of a singer who recently performed at the Me & Thee Coffeehouse entitled “Wangari Fahari in Concert.” The photo is hung alongside many others on the first floor.
All of the works in the exhibit are available to view alongside their titles, artists and listings on the MAA’s website, marbleheadarts.org.
Early next year, MAA artists and members will be preparing for the national Variations Show in April, in which three external judges will be hired to judge hundreds of submissions. Until then, there is plenty of time to head down to the King Hooper Mansion on 8 Hooper St. anytime between noon and 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday to view the Winter Members Show.
