RUMFORD – More than 75 artists have displayed their work at the Pennacook Art Center since it opened on Congress Street at year ago.
Manager Betsy Bell said, “We’ve made the connection between beautiful art and art hanging on peoples’ walls. I’m amazed at how many paintings we’ve sold, especially in spring and fall.”
In the year since this unique experiment began under the ownership of Lem Cissel, a local entrepreneur, not only has the number of artists expanded, but so, too, have the number of associated art services.
Lessons are given in drawing, oils, acrylics and water colors, a new artist or topic is featured each month, and a monthly artwork critiquing session brings artists together. And soon, said Bell, another medium will be added: print-making.
She said Cissel is in the process of setting up a print-making studio in the basement of the art center complex that will soon be rented out to artists. Classes in the art of etching and print-making will start soon, too.
The year has brought many lessons in the operation of an art gallery, Bell said.
“We’ve learned how to judge art for display, how to say no, how to keep the quality high,” she said.
Some artists who were first denied a chance to show their work have returned to the easel and improved. She’s also seen a growth in the interest of creating art.
The attached Scrappers Domaine store is selling more art supplies now. Bell said many people are taking up the art for the first time or rediscovering their love for creativity.
Word has gotten out about the gallery, as well. More artists show their work at the gallery from farther away, and everyone who stops at one of Maine’s information centers can pick up an informational brochure on it.
Eventually, the art center wants to organize either a sidewalk art show or an art in the park event for Memorial and Morency parks.
In the meantime, artists and art enthusiasts celebrated the one-year birthday with cake and presents Friday afternoon and a display of artworks created throughout the day.
Two new shows opened for the month of June, as well. One features artworks for Father’s Day. The second features oils and pastels created by Norway artist Sharon DeGiovanni.
Comments are no longer available on this story