Local Artists Get a Chance to Talk about Their Work

For some, being an artist is just natural, something they've always done. For others, it was a class or hobby that got them started in the field.

As the myriad of artists' work is displayed throughout downtown Winchester, celebrating the town's Art in August celebration, many have entered the craft in a variety of different ways. And last Thursday was the second of three Meet the Artist receptions, that allowed the residents of Winchester to meet the local artists who have their work displayed in the town shops all around the town center.

The third and final reception is Thursday, August 19 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Mad About Shoe.

At Le Mani Day Spa, Wendy Jo New was proudly displaying her hand fabricated jewelry, gold silver, gemstones and lapidary.

New moved to Massachusetts from Washington D. C. where she was an education policy specialist just over a decade ago. Being an artist, goldsmith and working with metals is something she had always wanted to do, but it wasn't until she saw an advertisement for a metal works school did she finally indulge her passion.

"I saw the ad, it caught my eye, I decided to do it and I've been doing it ever since," said New who had her work displayed at Shanahan Real Estate. "It was something I had always wanted to do, and that was my chance to do it."

Now New teaches at a metal smithing school in Waltham, while still creating her own work.

Over at Le Mani Day Spa, Joan Baldwin had her picturesque oil paintings being displayed around that shop.

"This is a great opportunity to highlight the artists in Winchester," Baldwin said of the Art in August celebration. "I really like it because it's so local. A lot of people I know in Winchester like to go to something like this, it's a great event."

Over at Winchester Wine and Spirits, there were a number of artists explaining their work and talking about their craft to many town residents.

Madeleine Lord, who had her metal sculptures displayed around the store, not only enjoys the festival, but the network of artists and how passionate they are about producing quality work.

"Winchester is especially populated with artists who work at it," Lord said. "They don't just sit still with it. It's a wonderful way to see what goes on around town."

"This town has a great deal of artistic talent," said Bob Hesse who had his photographs displayed at Winchester Wine and Spirits. "It's a chance for residents to see what kind of artists are around here, and if they're interested, they can come to these receptions and see who does the work."

But for John McConnell, whose desire to use oil painting to express himself, comes from an urge he gets when he sees an image.

"All artists attempt to express the invisible by means of the visible," McConnell said. "I just get this feeling, and it provokes me to paint a picture. I need to get it out there, and painting is my medium."

Carolyn Latanision, who had her watercolor paintings on display last week, has been painting all her life. But even though her work has been displayed countless times at a number of different venues, this month is still a special one for her.

"It's fun, this is an all-town event for Winchester," Latanision said. "Many of the townspeople come out and I know some of the people and they all come together for the sake of the artists. It's a special event."