Artist of the Month: Richard McConnell

By Leah Medin

Richard spins yarn from skeins into balls for weaving projects. 

Richard McConell has been working at Gateway Arts for 24 years. These days Richard chooses to work primarily in the Weaving Studio. Richard has developed incredible weaving skills and has shown his talent through many different woven projects over the years. His fabrics have been large, small, in various colors and patterns.  Richard decides what products should be fabricated with the yardage once he finishes and it has been taken off the loom. 

Handwoven and sewn clutch. 

Richard’s work consists of hand woven bags, pillows, scarves, blankets, and more. Richard has his own Leclerc loom that he works on while in the Weaving Studio. He works very  independently and it is a pleasure to have him in the studio. Richard is very focused, which has allowed him to weave with speed and accuracy. He works at his own pace and has proven to be very dedicated to weaving.

Richard at his loom in the weaving studio. 

Richard has many friends and co-workers that he likes to greet at the beginning of his work day. He usually arrives once everyone is settled into their morning studios with a cup of coffee in his hand. He'll ask for help when needed and enjoys the many compliments he receives for his work. 

Detail of handwoven fabric.

His newest project is to weave a collection of pillows and blankets in the Weaving Studio. You can find many woven goods by Richard at the Gateway Arts Craft Store. 

Detail of hand woven scarf.

Staff Pick: Ceramic Sculpture by Brenda Sepulveda

By River Cortes

Wally the Green Monster Mascot, acrylic on ceramic, 2014. 

Brenda Sepulveda recently completed work on this ceramic sculpture of Wally the green Monster, the Boston Red Sox mascot. This subject was a natural choice for Brenda, who is an avid Sox fan. Local sports themes have turned up in many of her works.

Brenda posing with her finished sculpture in the Gateway Local exhibit. 

Brenda’s sculptural forms, like her drawn ones, are simple, logical and confident. She has a knack for solving spatial problems in ways that are both straightforward and distinctive: Brenda’s eyecatching work is easy to spot. Each part of this piece has a heft to it; each part has a logical function; and each part is painted in bright, distinguishing acrylic paint.

Brenda working on her newest pieces in the Pottery Studio.

When Brenda takes on a new project, she has a clear idea of what she wants. Any problem solving along the way serves that idea, and this clarity produces strong results. The subject matter in this piece is, of course, popular locally, but what I love most about it is the way it handles its medium, and the way it fulfills Brenda’s vision.

 Come see Brenda's work in the reception for Gateway Local on October 16, 6-8pm at the Gateway Arts Gallery.  RSVP here! 

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III visits Gateway Arts

Gateway artists and staff pose with Congressman Kennedy. 

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III, on Thursday September 4, took time out of his busy schedule to tour Vinfen’s Gateway Arts in Brookline Village. Kennedy, along with District Director Nick Clemons, had a chance to see Gateway’s studio spaces and their current exhibit, Gateway Local. The new exhibit is inspired by uniquely New England locales and allows Gateway artists to depict familiar landscapes, architecture, landmarks, and people endemic to this historic region. Kennedy, a Brookline native, admired the many familiar sights recreated by the Gateway artists.

"Gateway Arts was thrilled to welcome Congressman Kennedy and District Director Clemons to our art studio," said Vinfen President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bird.  "Visits like these mean so much to our artists who loved being able to show off their work."

Congressman Kennedy with artist Ruby Pearl and her painting. 

Also joining Congressman Kennedy on his tour were Gateway artists Ruby Pearl and Jane Tarlow. They were able to speak with Kennedy and tell the Congressman about their works. Jane showed off her painting of Revere Beach, which greatly impressed Congressman Kennedy because of its striking detail. Kennedy then took the time to look over Ruby’s painting of the late President John F. Kennedy embracing daughter Caroline. The congressman was touched not only by Ruby’s painting but also her story of overcoming homelessness and finding support and a career in fine art at Gateway.

Congressman Kennedy and Jane Tarlow in front of her painting. 

Jane and Ruby then accompanied Congressman Kennedy through Studio A, which is funded in part by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the philanthropy of individual donors and grant opportunities through foundations. While in the studio, Kennedy took the time to look through the artists’ finished work and once again noted how impressed he was by their talent.

Congressman Kennedy and Gateway Arts Director Rae Edelson discuss the work in the gallery exhibit.

Overseeing the tour that highlighted many of Gateway’s successes over the course of its 41 years were Gateway Arts Director Rae Edelson and Vinfen President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bird.  Edelson commented “We are pleased to connect with our innovative Congressman Joe Kennedy and continue our tradition of support with the Kennedy family. “ Gateway Arts has a long standing relationship with the Kennedy family with support from Ted Kennedy, Eunice Shriver and Jean Kennedy.  Additional staff members were on hand to answer any questions and to provide insight into all facets of Gateway Arts.

Congressman Kennedy viewing work by Studio A artists. 

Gateway Arts is dedicated to providing individualized art-based services to adults with disabilities that will enable them to create meaningful lives and careers in art.  Located in Brookline Village, Gateway Arts serves over 100 talented adults in the Greater Boston area through its Arts Programming, store and gallery.  Gateway artists receive opportunities for local, national, and international recognition and sales.  Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work. Gateway Arts is a service of Vinfen Corporation, New England’s most comprehensive provider of human services to individuals with disabilities.  

Gateway Local will be on display through Saturday, November 8. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, October 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will feature local food and music with a beer tasting provided by Pretty Things, cupcakes from Party Favors, and live music Tommy Palmer and Ian Gustafson from Babydriver with special guest Matthew Mara.

Artist of the Month: Hahn Cao-Danh

By Ashley Brown

Gateway is celebrating Hanh Cao-Danh as August’s artist of the month. Hanh started at Gateway in April 2013. Hanh has an eye for pattern and color. 

Found object sculpture, 2013.

When Hanh first arrived, Hanh’s only interest in art was abstraction, and she came up with many imaginative swirly designs. While working in the studio, Hanh was inspired by what she saw happening in the studios, and she began melding her abstract designs with representational work. Here are some images of Hanh’s more recent work.

Glazed, hand-built tea pot, 2013.

Her necklaces have always been very popular. The consistent design changes after about twenty beads of the same pattern. The pattern that she creates is usually quite playful and colorful.

Wood and metal beaded necklace, 2013. 

While Hanh enjoys working at Gateway, she also has many other hobbies. You may see Hanh involved at an intense rap battle at Rami’s Restaurant in Coolidge Corner. She writes her own hip hop music. She also enjoys going to different art festivals throughout the year.  

Acrylic paint on wood pannel, 2014. 

Congratulation Hahn, and keep up the great work! 

Staff Pick: Paintings by Pat Peter

By Andrew Levine 

Playground on Thayer, acrylic on canvas, 2013

Pat Peter’s painting, Playground on Thayer, depicts a dreamlike playground with swings and benches in a familiar neighborhood and a large leafless tree, definitely for climbing to the top. Peter’s painting is reminiscent of childhood memories in the rich and bright color scheme, the whimsy of the line quality vibrates like excited children playing at the playground and the cerulean tree with bright red/orange details flows off in the distance like a fading dream. One loses oneself in the lucid scenery of Peter’s idealistic perspective.

Waiting for the Bus, acrylic on canvas, 2013

Waiting for the Bus, another painting by Peter, also portrays a similar style with rich and bright colors. These help ignite the viewer to understand the emotions of the woman sitting on the bench. She is alone, but not lonely. She is content with solitude thus allowing her to be inspired by the serene multi-colored grass and the inquisitive beauty of her surroundings to the fullest. 

Update from our former weaving supervisor, Jenine!

Solstice Art Gallery & Studio

There is a new gallery in town, and you won’t want to miss it because like the summer solstice, this gallery will only be here for a brief time. From July 26th, through September 20th, Solstice Art Gallery & Studio will breathe new life into the once vacant building at 10 Main Street in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

Solstice Art Gallery & Studio is the creative venture of two young Boston artists, Ada Solomon and Jenine Shereos.

Solomon’s commission portrait paintings focus on the psychological landscape of her subjects and are rendered with the sensitivity of a keen observer. Studying sociology as an undergraduate at Wesleyan University and completing her MFA in social work at Simmons College, Solomon combines her interest in human nature with her life-long love of oil painting. In addition, she is also an accomplished henna artist. Inspired by her travels in India, Solomon has put her own unique twist on the art form, adorning small wooden boxes, glass vases and stones with stunningly detailed and meditative designs rendered in gold leaf and gold paint. Solomon grew up spending her summers in Wellfleet, so the idea of setting up an art gallery and studio here seemed second nature. “Wellfleet has always been my home away from home and a place of great inspiration for me.”

Shereos is a sculptor and installation artist specializing in fiber and textile techniques. After completing her MFA in fibers from California State University, Long Beach, Shereos swapped coasts and relocated to Boston, Massachusetts where she has lived since 2006. Her works currently on view at Solstice vary from knit wall-works from her De/constructed Lace series, to cyanotype prints, and even leaves intricately hand-stitched out of human hair. Shereos has exhibited her artwork both nationally and internationally, including exhibitions in France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, and Canada. Her work has also been published in the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, Frame Magazine, Make Magazine, Texteil Plus Magazine, and Mary Schoeser’s recent publication; Textiles: The Art of Mankind.

Another perk is that Solstice is not just a Gallery, but a Studio as well. Come by and see the artists at work. And if you are lucky, you may even walk out with your very own henna tattoo.

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 2nd from 3-5pm

Gallery and Studio hours:  Monday & Tuesday by appointment, Wednesday-Friday 1-8, and Saturday & Sunday 11-3 & 5-8

Studio phone #: 617.512.3056

www.adasolomon.com 

www.jenineshereos.com

Artist of the Month: Alison Doucette

Alison working on her embroidery in the pottery studio. 

July's Artist of the Month is, Alison Doucette. Alison began working at Gateway Arts in 2013 and has diligently been building an inventory of work since.  Upon arrival Alison began embroidering various images she finds inspiring.

Mermaid embroidery in process. 

Alison has an clear understanding of color, and is able to create visually engaging pieces that keep your eye moving over the entire image.

Handwoven and applique embroidery on canvas bag.

Alison has also taken up weaving.  She uses a table top loom and creates accents for functional pieces of art. She sometimes appliques her embroidery to the woven pieces as well.

Handwoven and applique on pillow.

Handwoven appliques to canvas bag.

In her spare time Alison enjoys cooking, and while at Gateway is always offering a kind hand.  We can't wait to see what Alison comes up with next and will continue to watch her work evolve as she spends more time practicing her craft at Gateway Arts!