By Daniel Curtin
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The sixth annual Senior Art Show at the Wellesley Library showcased the work of nearly 50 artists on Wednesday, June 13.
The show featured different types of art across several different media including photography, watercolors, and computer-generated digital art. Visitors perused the different pieces of art while being serenaded by piano.
Cecilia Sharma, an art instructor who has been teaching now for last 20 years, helped prepare the exhibit. To say the least, she knows how much it means for her students to have their work recognized.
“What’s good about the show is that it showcases their work,” Sharma said. “They don’t [always] get a chance to get their work exhibited. I encourage my students, regardless of whatever [they] paint, it’s nice to have it in a showcase. For them, it helps with adding confidence.”
One of the artists featured was Joanne Every, whose piece, titled “Superheroine,” was made through a computer-generated digital art software suite and was inspired by superheroes.
“It’s a variety of artwork.” Every said. “Everyone gets to enter something they like, and it gives everyone an opportunity to put something on display.”
Malcolm Watson a retired professor who used to teach psychology at Brandeis, had his painting, “Coyote Fence with Blue Gate,” on display. Watson, who has been painting for 35 years, said it took about 8 hours to complete the painting, which was inspired by a building he had seen during a trip to Sante Fe.
“I love painting and I sell them, but that’s not what’s driving me. When I retired, I said I was going to paint more.” Watson said.
Charles Kamar, who came with his wife to the senior art show, enjoys the many different events the library holds.
“We come to the library every week, multiple times, and get to enjoy the artwork, the music, and the company,” Kamar said.
Sharma is running a class, “Mastering Watercolor Techniques,” through the Wellesley Council on Aging. Her work, titled “Modernista building, Barcelona,” was part of the showcase. It was inspired by her love of architecture and the style of buildings found in Spain.
Sharma believes the event is a great chance to connect with fellow artists.
“They also meet other artists and I always say we learn from each other, even I as an instructor,” Sharma said. “I met another instructor today who also teaches watercolor, and her work is abstract, which is a different style, but you can see the different personalities come through.”
The work exhibited will be shown through June 30 in the Wakelin Room and lobby of the Wellesley Free Library.
