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Reminder Assistant Editor WILBRAHAM The common perception of the artist is that of a solitary figure, locked in a studio, creating something totally unique and never before seen. The artists of the Wilbraham Art League (WAL), however, intend to tweak that perception a bit with their upcoming exhibit titled "Duets." Opening April 5 in the Brooks Room of the Wilbraham Public Library, "Duets" will showcase the works of partnered artists who created pieces in different mediums based on one still life or landscape photograph. A total of 35 pieces will be displayed and up for sale during the exhibition. "The idea for this show first came up six months ago," Joyce Emerle, WAL publicity chair, said. "One of our artists, Angela Agerton, used to live in Colorado and belonged to an art league out there that did a similar show. We thought it would be different and fun." Emerle said the approximate 50 artists in the WAL showed a lot of enthusiasm for the project idea. None of the artists have done anything like this before. Jerry and Roberta Wilson, a couple from Indian Orchard who have shared painting projects in the past, have never painted the same subject before, Emerle added. The artists involved all had the opportunity to choose their own partners for the project. "We chose partners we thought would challenge us," Emerle explained. She mentioned Ray Hunt, a wood carver, who partnered with Ann Carver, who works in drawing, acrylics and watercolors as an example. "The hardest part was finding a reference both artists felt comfortable with, decide on what they both could do," Emerle stated. She worked with both Debby Rosenthal, a pastel artist and Fran Selva, a basket weaver. "We had a whole pile of photographs to go through," Emerle noted. She added that being able to choose a partner was beneficial because it allowed every artist to feel a connection with their complementary artist. Artists also partnered with those of a comparable talent to ensure the projects were of the same quality, Emerle continued. In one way, the artists participating in the project are very much the stereotypical sequestered artists: "A lot of them do not want to share their work with one another before the show," Emerle said. "We're all very excited about the project and the show. We're really enthused and we're expecting a good response [from those who attend]," she added. Emerle said with the 35 participants of "Duets," she is hoping for 150 interested individuals to attend the show's opening on Saturday. "I would love to see it [the "Duets" project] done every year," she said. "We could partner with different artists and challenge ourselves to do something new, something better." In addition to the aforementioned partners, the following duos will also be involved with the exhibit: Janis Gustafson and Eleanor Hahesy, Kathy Marino and Suzanne Boudreau, Susan Nieski and Natalie Long, Fran Levesque and Vicki Fritz, Sandra Gittleman and Paulette Charpentier, Jackie Birchenough and Sally Smith, Dot Gerrish and Mary Massida, Sue Chaffee and Doris Barsalou, Sherri Montagna and Ageton, Kris Crimmins and Betsy Koscher, Caryl MacLeod and Lucy Pelletier and Theresa DeSaulnier and Karen Geaghan. "Duets" will be on display at the Wilbraham Public Library, 2 Crane Park Drive, April 5 through 26. The opening reception will take place April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. The artists will be in attendance to discuss their works. The reception is free of charge and refreshments will be available. For more information on the WAL, contact Frank Tencza at 596-3450. | ||||||
