Pictured is the gathering at a previous Scantic River Artisans show.
Reminder Publishing file photo
HAMPDEN — Scantic River Artisans has their first show of the year with “Big Art Show of Small Works” from Feb. 14-15 at the Hampden Senior Center, located at 104 Allen St.
On Saturday, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m to 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will also be a reception with music and refreshments from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, with awards presented at 2 p.m.
SRA has over 65 members from Wilbraham, Hampden and the surrounding towns. In a press release, they said their mission is to connect the community through diverse, dynamic and creative experiences while providing opportunities for local artists of all ages and skill levels to explore, develop and market their creations.
“Celebrate Valentine’s Day by buying something for your sweetheart or yourself,” SRA said.
The event features works that are 10 inches by 16 inches or smaller across a wide range of artistic mediums, such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media and photography. It also includes works that aren’t hung on the wall, such as pottery, jewelry, metal sculptures, painted glass, cloth and woodworks.
Assistant to the Publicity Chair Roger Kellman said most of the artists are fairly realistic in their work, so visitors can expect scenes and still life art often from photos the artists have taken. Kellman said that those who received a postcard from SRA can bring it and be entered into a raffle to win a painting.
The event will also be holding a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards the club and their needs, such as the purchase of another art hanging rack. The auction will consist of donated artwork from SRA members with bidding sheets in front of each item. The highest bidder will be the winner to purchase the piece.
Nan Hulbert, an award winning artist and longtime member of SRA, was featured in the press release and will be displaying work at the event. Hulbert is skilled in oil, watercolor, pastel and color pencil. Hulbert said she paints all subjects, but still life and animals are favorites. Hulbert has recently been working in jewelry design and owns the company, Tangled Vine Jewelry.
“Painting skills are not the limit of Nan’s artistic efforts,” the press release said. “In her early life, she learned sewing skills and pattern making, ultimately becoming a garment designer and developing a garment manufacturing company.”
SRA said to visit the show to meet Hulbert and many of the other artists and artisans whose work will be displayed.
