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Date: 9/28/2022
WILBRAHAM – This fall, the Wilbraham Art League kicked off their new season with a variety of interactive workshops and exhibitions.
Member Beverlee Corriveau said, “We hadn’t met in a couple of years. We had a few meetings this spring to start to meet again, but because of the [coronavirus] pandemic we were out of commission.”
She continued, “Now, we’re getting back into the swing of things. We’re planning more hands on, in-person activities and we’re going to be very busy this season with shows.”
The Wilbraham Art League which has artists from many surrounding towns, is comprised of artists of all mediums that get together from September through June. They meet the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilbraham Senior Center at 45 Post Office Park. They also host public art shows at different places for League artists to showcase their work. “We are always looking for new places to have a show,” Corriveau added.
Founded in April 2007, the league was formed by a group of committed artists for the purpose of developing active community interest and providing education in the field of fine arts.
Original member Joyce Emerle recalled, “I was at a Friends of the Library Art Show at the Wilbraham Library in March of 2007. While talking to artists Caryl MaCleod and Deb Rosenthal at the show, we decided it would be nice to have an art league in Wilbraham which would include the surrounding areas.”
She went on to say, “We felt it would be great to meet other artists and exchange ideas concerning their work and also give to the community by providing interest and education in the field of art.”
The three women met at the Village Store which led to the beginnings of the league. Emerle put an ad in the Hampden-Wilbraham Times inviting anyone interested in joining an art league to attend a meeting at the Brooks Room of the Wilbraham Public Library and 20 artists attended that meeting. A few weeks later an initial meeting took place at Rosenthal’s home. Frank Tencza was the president, Vice President was Susan Nieske, Treasurer was Natalie Long, and Secretary was Fran Selva. Committees were as follows: Caryl MaCleod, membership and plein air, Joyce Emerle, publicity, Angela Egarton, hospitality and hanging, Sherri Montagna, newsletter and Lucy Peltier was in charge of communication.
The league became active in July of 2007 when they were invited to exhibit at the Wilbraham Nature and Cultural Center’s summer concerts, Summerfest, and Harvest Day events. The shows took place in the barn at Fountain Park where the artists were able to display watercolors, acrylics, oil, and pastel paintings as well as sculptures, photography, jewelry, pottery, baskets weaving, wood carvings and fiber art.
“Over the years our membership has grown,” Emerle responded. “We always try to do more for the community as far as art. Our goal is to expand our group so that we’re known throughout the Valley.”
On Oct. 11, participants will make ornaments to adorn a tree to be displayed at the Atheneum Society’s annual festival of trees. On Nov. 8, member Elizabeth Pacosa McEvoy will lead an interactive workshop make Native American pinch pots. Because materials will be supplied, those who plan to attend must register in advance. Other monthly meetings scheduled will feature an interactive alcohol ink workshop, group critiques and more.
This November, the league will have a show at the Longmeadow Adult Center. The opening reception will take place on Nov. 3 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. In March 2023 they will have a show at the Palmer Library, in May at the West Springfield Library and also from May through July at Baystate Hospital, in July at the Agawam Library, September through October at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and in December they’ll be at the Wilbraham Library.
“It’s important to get art out into the community and people do appreciate it,” Corriveau replied. “We hope that the Wilbraham Art League continues to be a place for artists to get together, learn new things and be inspired.”
New members are always welcome, whether they create art or just have an interest in the creative process. Anyone who is interested in registering for the workshops or joining the art league should email JoanneBellPhoto@yahoo.com for more information.