In Providence this month:
For the month of October the Gallery at Sprout Providence (166 Valley St) is presenting a solo exhibition of works by artist Betsey MacDonald titled “Best Friends”. The show will feature Betsey’s recent paintings and drawings of humans with their adored animal counterparts. The exhibition will be open to the public and on display through October 29th. More of Betsey MacDonald’s artwork can be seen online at https://bmacdonald.net.
If you’d like to know about the artist’s process, studio and inspiration, don’t miss our conversation with Betsey MacDonald on the Sprout CoWorking blog. The Gallery at Sprout Providence is open to the public to see the artwork in-person weekdays from 9am to 3pm, or by appointment. Join us for Gallery Night Providence at Sprout CoWorking to meet the artist and tour the gallery on October 21st from 5 to 7pm. If you can’t make it to Sprout Providence, tune in on facebook live for a tour virtually.
Betsey MacDonald, from Clayville, RI, has a BFA in Fine Arts and an MA in Studio Art and has taught both science and art. Betsey works in oil, watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, collage, and printmaking and has also illustrated three children’s books. A juried member of the American Academy of Equine Art and the Wickford Art Association, she has had more than 25 solo exhibitions. Betsey is currently taking commissions for pet portraits, which make an excellent holiday gift.
“Leonardo da Vinci said to “Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses-especially learning to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else”
I taught science and art for 35 years. I believe that art and science are intrinsically connected. I also believe that humans and animals are intrinsically connected. I paint and draw the animals around me to satisfy my need to truly see them and through seeing, to understand. I am in awe of what animals bring to our lives and by creating art inspired by them, I hope to better connect with the life around me. “
Betsey MacDonald
In Warren this month:
This October the Gallery at Sprout Warren (489 Main St) is presenting a juxtaposition of paintings by Jessie Jewels and photographs by Todd Stevens, titled Alternative Perspectives: A Study of the American West. The exhibition will be open to the public and on display October 16th through November 10th. Visit Sprout Warren to view the work in-person Wed & Thurs 10-6, Sun 10-3 or by appointment.
You won’t want to miss the special opening reception event on October 24th. Join us at the Gallery from 2-4pm for a parade featuring The Providence Drum Troupe and Big Nazo. The performance will begin at 2pm from the nearby municipal parking lot (between Joyce St and Railroad Ave) and parade up to Main Street. Stop by to meet the artists and explore the Gallery and Gift Shop!
About the Artists:
Artist Jessie Jewels and Photographer Todd Stevens show the different views of each of their experiences of the Western Landscape. While traveling through many of the well known national parks such as Arches, Bryce, Capitol Reef and Zion each artist recorded their point of view using mediums they were familiar with.
As a mixed media artist Jessie Jewels is familiar with incorporating many mediums into one piece of art. For this series she incorporated alcohol ink, graphite and acrylic to imitate the unique textures and colors the American West.
As a photographer Todd Stevens gravitates towards nature. He spent time on a working farm caring for animals and honing in his photography craft. In this series he captured the dramatic vistas through his lens.
“When Todd and I met we were amazed at our overlapping life experiences. We were especially excited our time in the American West documenting our experiences through art. In this show we demonstrate the similarities and stark differences in our perception on the West as well as show the versatility of this unique environment.
-Jessie J.
We hope you can join us for the opening reception, where you can hear more about our experiences, enjoy the exhibition, have a sip and nibble, go shopping in the gallery gift shop (my work is currently on display in the gift shop) and enjoy a live musical surprise! Hope to see you soon!”
Sprout is in accordance with the Reopening RI guidelines and is protected by Ocean State Shields. Contact: gallerymanager@sproutcoworking.com for more information.