Artist Profile: Frank Winters, Photographer

Artist’s Statement

Formerly an executive and consultant with an international clientele, I developed a passion for photography while traveling to cities around the world. My first love was street photography and I still enjoy it.

Primarily self-taught, I learned from the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Joel Meyerowitz, Elliot Porter and others. I still take photos when I travel, but many more close to home. I believe in the Buddhist idea that we can experience oceans in a single drop of water. “Even in a drop of water innumerable Buddha lands appear” (Eihei Dogen Zenji). In addition, my approach to photography is informed by my love of the writing of Ralph Waldo Emerson, as well as poetry and sacred texts.

In the last few years I’ve tried to capture the natural beauty of Westford, a quintessential New England Town and my family’s home. I am like most photographers in that I look for light that creates a special quality in the final image. I believe that in Nature such qualities can be moments of spirituality when the spiritual and metaphoric essence of nature is most apparent.

Emerson wrote in his essay Nature: “Nature is the symbol of spirit.” And elsewhere he wrote: “In the vaunted works of art, the master-stroke is Nature’s part.”

"Wine and Nibbles" and Course Offerings

First Thursdays - "Wine and Nibbles"

Art on Main Gallery enjoyed an enthusiastic launch in October 2009. To keep the excitement going, the AoM artists are instituting monthly receptions where you can enjoy an evening of art, wine, and nibbles. The kick off is Thursday, 4 February, 5 to 8 PM, when we will celebrate PASSION in honor of Valentine’s Day

Mark your calendars for the first Thursday of every month thereafter for "Wine and Nibbles" at the Art on Main Gallery.

Courses and Lectures

The AoM team will also present programs of art instruction and lectures. The first will be a drawing course offered by Alice Phalen (BFA, MA Fine Arts, Hunter College, CUNY) in March. There will be courses in other branches of fine and applied art and lectures on photography and art history. Details coming soon...

Artist Profile: Gail Flannery

Gail Flannery - Fine Art & Craft

Gail is multi-faceted, award-winning artist of fine art painting in watercolors, acrylic, oil and casein. Her artistic talents are also shown in custom designed jewelry, silk painting, fused and stained glass and mosaic décor. In addition to creative arts she is also a professional baker.

Gail began painting watercolors in 1998 under the instruction of Cynthia Van Horne Ehrlich, an award-winning artist who is a signature member of The New England Watercolor Society and the Copley Society of Boston. Her instruction continued under the guidance of several other professional artists of similar note: Kathy Cooper, Beth Patterson, and Jack Jones. Today under the tutelage of N. Samuel Vokey and Mikel Wintermantel, two Copley Masters, Gail’s skill level and expansion into new mediums increases.

Her jewelry and glass skills were honed at the Worcester Center for Crafts, and currently are reaching new heights at Denault Studios in Acton, with the addition of working with metals and lampworking.

Gail Flannery can be reached by calling 978-692-4560 or via email at watercolor7@verizon.net

Artist Profile: Laurie G. Miller

Laurie G. Miller’s career took a left turn shortly after the millennium.
She left her job as a Network Manager to pursue her love of the arts. A watercolorist for many years, Ms. Miller studied under such notable artists as Paul George, George Shedd, Carol Marine, Andrew Kusmin and Nancy Russo. In 2008, she switched to oils and immediately fell in love with the medium.

Ms. Miller’s work has been described as “quirky” and “whimsical” and will often bring a smile to your face. She has the ability to capture everyday, mundane objects and shows their inherent beauty through reflections, colorful shadows and bold use of color. Painting a wide variety of subjects, her works include a bathroom sink, a dentist peering directly at the viewer, and a couple of glazed donuts lounging on a plate.

Starting in November 2008, Ms. Miller started posting her paintings on her blog along with her thoughts, struggles and insights on the creative process for each work. In 2009, her first solo show, Reflections on Fifty, opened at the Parish Center for the Arts, in Westford, MA. Winning rave reviews and selling 42 of 50 paintings, Ms. Miller’s show was a huge success.

In October 2009, Ms. Miller partnered with 8 other artists to form the Art on Main Fine Art Gallery. She continues to paint and show/sell her work. Her blog can viewed at www.LaurieGMiller.com.

Artist Profile: Susan Lyall Haley

With a focus on drawing and painting, Susan Lyall Haley holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Salem State College. She pursued a career in corporate advertising that stretched for more than 23 years, and now does freelance catalog work, leaving more time for her love of art. Her watercolor paintings feature New England scenes from the many photographs she has taken. Sue’s color palette of soft, muted hues are exemplary of much of her work.

"I maintain a realistic style and am drawn to the challenge of watercolor for it’s ability to recapture life’s moments through color and reflection.”

She is a member of the Chelmsford Art Society, associate member of the New England Watercolor Society and an active participant and award winner in many art events and juried shows. She is often commissioned to paint house and business portraits or to recapture favorite places for that special gift-giving idea.

In addition to her watercolors, Sue brings her own artistic style to an assortment of uniquely designed, hand-painted glassware.

Currently, she is developing a series of watercolor paintings to capture her memories of a trip to the south of France. A May, 2010 solo art show is planned at the Parish Center for the Arts, Westford, MA.

Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

At 5 p.m., just before opening our doors for our Gala Opening Reception, we had an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Pictured above (left to right): Sue Haley, Kim Scott, Gail Flannery, Scott Murray, Frank Winters, Mary Jane Brunelle and Jean Curley Barrett. (Missing are: Laurie Miller and Alice Phalen).

The reception was incredibly festive with bustling activity the entire evening. Thank you to all that came to support us in our new venture!

Gala Opening - Thurs, October 29, 5 - 9 p.m.

The Artists of "Art on Main" are busy preparing for our Gala Opening celebration on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 5 - 9 p.m. Mary Jane Brunelle, who created our sign, is pictured above with Frank Winters installing it above our main entrance.

Gail Flannery and Jean Curley Barrett are planning the opening festivities complete with sweet and savory gourmet treats, wine, and a free raffle. We're having a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. so plan to stop by to cheer us on as we officially open our doors.