BETHEL — Table Rock Arts Center has a simple mission: to support arts and culture in the western Maine mountains. Owned by Amy Halsted, the center’s inspiration comes from her years of supporting the arts, working as a lifelong career writer and loving the life and relationships of the Mahoosuc-area region and community. She also serves as TRAC’s Creative Director.
Opening at noon Saturday, Dec. 1, at Philbrook Place, 162 Main St., Halsted describes the center as “Artists hang and display work. Musicians gather and teach. Writers write and hold readings. Meditation, yoga and healing movement classes are planned, and gardens support a place for pollinators and the local food movement.”
TRAC is featuring the visual work of 10 artists with nine in the main gallery and one in the Art Show Space. Gary Polonski, TRAC’s first Art Show Artist, is well known for his dramatic use of color and texture. TRAC celebrates his participation with an Artist Reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the opening on Dec. 1. In keeping with support of the many and varied art forms, the Bellisimo Basso Duo — featuring Kelly Bickford on bassoon and Lee Smith on cello— will serenade. All are welcome.
In the main space, the works of Rochelle Draper, Sue Dunn, Jinger Duryea, Suzanne Hardy, Brendan Leitch, Will Leitch, Becky Robbins and Melanie Tornberg adorn the walls while furniture maker John Dunn’s Adirondack Ski Chairs adorn the porch.
TRAC welcomes collaboration. Halsted says, “TRAC is intended to be an integrated environment that nurtures the fine arts, healing arts and living arts, providing a heightened cultural experience for the community. I’m excited for people to experience the space and to imagine its many uses.”
FMI: www.tablerockartscenter.com or contact amy@tablerockartscenter.com.
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This 3-D art piece by Gary Polonski is representative of what will be on display when Table Rock opens,
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Becky Robbins’ “Rose Breasted Grosbeak” will be among the art displayed at the center.
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This image, called “Rural Living,” was taken by photographer Will Leitch.
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