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By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham Art Association’s (NAA) Fall Judged Exhibit is currently on display at the Needham Public Library, with many of the pieces available for purchase. Adorning the wall just to the right of the computers on the top floor, the media ranges from watercolor and oil to silkscreen, acrylic, colored pencil and a collage of torn pieces of paper.
Judged by Carolyn Letvin, a Milford resident, painter and printmaker known for her plein air monotypes and her pieces on Jacob Sheep, the display will remain at the library until January 2nd, if you’d like to see the pieces or consider purchasing one.
First place went to Adrienne Lederman’s monotype “Evening Leaves” Photos by James Kinneen
Although the ribbon had fallen off the frame, the first-place winner was Adrienne Lederman’s monotype “Evening Leaves.” Lederman is no stranger to winning artistic awards, having won the Needham Art Association Spring Show in both 2016 and 2017. Citing Henry Moore’s quote that “The observation of nature is part of an artist’s life. It enlarges his form knowledge, keeps him fresh and feeds inspiration” in her artist biography, Lederman acknowledges that her etchings are primarily inspired by nature, as was the case for “Evening Leaves.”
Second place went to Nancy Daly’s watercolor piece, “White Cyclamen.” Daly is a signature member of both the New England and Rhode Island Watercolor Societies, and has studied at the Museum of Fine Arts and the DeCordova Museum. She has also been Artist in Residence at the Grace Lutheran Church and a featured artist with the St. Andrew’s Performing Arts Series.
Taking third place was Gail Hansen’s kitschy silkscreen of various women’s handbags, “Where to Put All Your Money.” Hansen’s prints have also appeared in Medfield’s Zullo Gallery as well, including “Tornado Flowers.”
Barbara Cusack, Jessica Gallo and Nelson Hammer all brought home ”Honorable Mention” ribbons. While Hammer didn’t win, it’s unlikely he’ll be too discouraged about being named an “Honorable Mention”; in 1962, the landscape architect tried to copy an Edward Hopper lighthouse piece, and the result was so bad he quit watercolors for 52 years (though he still keeps the disappointing painting in his house). Gallo also uses watercolors as her primary medium and taught the form to the children of a small village in India as part of the African Indian Alliance.
Obviously, though the other pieces didn’t get an acknowledgement from the competition, they are more than worthy of your time, if you’re in the area. And, with some available for purchase, they may also be worthy of your money.
