Winchester Residents Meet the Artists

Walking around the streets of downtown Winchester during the month of August it's hard to miss the explosion of art. A number of businesses are displaying the work of local artists in their windows as the town celebrates its 12th annual Arts in August celebration.

The month-long event culminates with Art in the Park on Saturday, August 21 at the Town Common from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But until that day arrives residents can wonder the streets of Winchester and take a peak at a variety of different artwork.

"There's a great group of artistic people in Winchester," said Mark Flannery, whose specialty is photography. "This event shows the diversity of Winchester. There are a number of real good artists that range from painters to metal sculptors to wood carvers. It's nice to have a variety of people and it's a good chance for them to display their work."

Thursday night was the first of three Meet the Artists Receptions that are held throughout the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Flannery, along with Debe Holland who focuses on pottery and photographer Tom Magno spent last night at Pairing Wine & Food displaying their work and talking about their craft.

Over at Coldwell Banker, Kristen Fitzgerald, along with her daughter Audrey, showed off their paintings and photography pieces. Joining her was Sue Clark who has spent the last 12 years perfecting her craft in mixed copper and enamel.

"I paint all year and I really look forward to this event and being able to display my art every summer," Fitzgerald said.

For Magno, it was his first time displaying his work at the event. Him and his wife Lori, had seen the displays in the businesses in years past, but it wasn't until she suggested he display his work that Magno decided to be a part of the event.

"I've seen this event every year since we moved back to Winchester in '02," Magno said. "My wife encouraged me to try it, and I liked [Pairings Wine & Food), so I figured I'd give it a shot. And it's been fun."

For most of the artists it's a chance to show their work to the public.

"I'm not a professional potter," Holland said. "I do it as a hobby. But it's nice to display what you've done and get feedback from the public. It's nice to be able to put your work out there and see what people think."

"This is a great way to get visual art out into the community," said Clark who was a former pastry chef who decided to stay home after she had children. In order to find a creative outlet she turned to visual art, and has been doing it since.

Next Thursday, August 12, oil painter Joan Baldwin will be at Le Mani Day Spa, while Wendy Jo New will be displaying her hand fabricated jewelry at Shanahan Real Estate. And metal sculptor Madeleine Lord will be at Winchester Wine and Spirits where she will be accompanied by photographer Bob Hesse, oil painter John McConnell and Carolyn Latanision who specializes in watercolor.

The last reception will be held on August 19 at Mad About Shoe where Sophia Mone will be displaying her 2-D monoprints. She will be joined with Nina Lapchyk and her hand-painted silk scarves along with acrylic painter Mary Hart.