Marblehead Arts Association

Marblehead Arts Association May Exhibit

Contemporary, Fiber, Photography, Glass, Paintings
May 5–27 · Opening reception on May 6, 2:00–4:00pm

Marblehead Arts Association May Exhibit features contemporary work & sculpture by Mark Minelli of Marblehead, glass by Jeff Mentuck of Salem, photography by Rachel Elizabeth Brooks of Swampscott and fiber art by eighteen artists, many are members of acclaimed Textile Study Group in New York. Claudia Kaufman is featured on our “Meet the Artist” wall. The exhibit opens May 5 and runs through May 27 with an opening reception on May 6, from 2:00–4:00pm.

Click on images to view them in detail.

Telling the story of their work, the artists in their own words, Mark, Jeff and Rachel:

Mark Minelli – “constructed memory” · Ballroom Gallery

Mark Minelli

The work revolves around three intersecting ideas, or thereabouts:

• a narrative of my dad who spent his whole life running a metal lathe in a factory.
• objects constructed, from machine age tools to apps.
• a dark, nostalgic view of brand and our need to consume.
• the work involves a lot of alternating between visceral/chaotic and mechanical/​computer processes. it also varies greatly in scale from intimate drawings to paintings and sculptures that span over seven feet.

Jeff Mentuck – “Introspective” · Hendrick Gallery

Jeff Mentuck

I have always had an interest in science, art, and fiery danger. I think that’s why I was drawn to glassblowing. The glassblowing studio is like an applied physics laboratory that focus’ on the forces of heat, gravity, and perseverance. Despite the dramatic flames and physical effort, the most important part of the process is DESIGN.

I am constantly amazed by the material of glass. For over two decades I have studied and pursued this material with passion and dedication. My recent sculptural work is called Introspection.

I am intrigued by structure, the amazing engineering found in nature, science and the best efforts of man. The structure and geometry of a spider’s web is echoed and influences networks of steel in bridges and skyscrapers. Microscopic images reveal cells and networks within our own bodies. It is these ideas of biology and engineering that inform my sculptural compositions. Layers of glass elements create a depth and complexity while the external forms are simple and approachable.

I use centuries old Venetian glassmaking techniques to create the visual elements within each piece. Each spiraling twist of cane is premade and then applied hot during the dynamic glassblowing process.

I hope that the viewer is drawn into the complex depths of these visual compositions. Looking in between the layers and seeing the beauty within chaos and complexity.

Rachel Elizabeth Brooks – “Capturing the Moment” · Emerging Artist Gallery

Rachel Elizabeth Brooks

My relationship with Nature is the central theme of my photography. I consider myself an explorer of art, and use my camera as a means of creating a larger self-portrait. The photographs in my first solo exhibit chronicle my artistic pursuit.

Growing up near the ocean has taught me to appreciate the elements, and the profound forces of nature. Deeply inspired by Thoreau’s notion of living deliberately, I often apply his transcendental view of extracting the marrow of life to my experiences, as I seek adventure and embark upon new journeys. My goal in fine art photography is to record the gamut of feelings and expressions we humans experience, the beauty of the world we inhabit, and the human condition we seek to comprehend.

Art In Fiber – Curated by Sandra Golbert, Claudia Kaufman & Deborah Greel · Parlor & Dining Room Galleries

Fiber art is a style of fine art that uses mostly textiles such as fabric, threads, and yarns. Also, other materials such as wire, handmade paper, wood may be included in this genre. It focuses on the materials and on the manual labor involved as part of its significance. Many of the artists, both local and otherwise, are members of the acclaimed Textile Study Group of New York, which provides opportunity for exhibiting in prime New York City locations.

One of their most recent exhibits, 9x9x3: New Visions shown recently at Three World Financial Center in New York City and will now travel around the country for several years, as did the first 9x9x3 exhibit. That show began in the American Craft Museum in NYC (now called the Museum of Art and Design), and travelled around the country for four years.

Showing in the exhibit are wall hangings, framed pieces, basketry, and sculptural objects. For example some of the wall hangings are made with rug yarn, used in a sculptural and geometric design; some works are printed works on silk. Also shown are artworks made from wisteria bark, others with waxed linen or threads, yarns and tulle and pieces that are made totally, by knotting and twisting wire.

Participating in the exhibit are: Michele Koenig Augeri, Katherine D. Crone, Bonnie Epstein, Alyn Evans, Linda Germain, Sandra Golbert, Luba Shapiro Grenader, Dora Hsiung, Nancy Koenigsberg, Carole P. Kunstadt, Patricia Malarcher, Saberah Malik, Nancy Ekol Nikkal, Yasuko Okumur, Joan Pao. Larry Schulte. Charlotte Thorpand Carol Westfall.

Claudia Kaufman · Meet the Artist Wall

Claudia Kaufman: “Jar of Limons”

The “Meet the Artist” exhibit area in May contains the oil paintings of Claudia Kaufman of Marblehead. This collection of contemporary realism paintings deals, in a straight­forward way, with the jumbled complexities of everyday objects. The drama of light, transparency, reflection and shadow is also a strong element in each work.