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This “Woman with Poppies” watercolor painting by Laurel Thorndike will be on display at the seventh annual Heath Arts Exhibition, which opens to the public on Sept. 2. -
This blown glass giraffe head submitted by Robert Dane will be on display at the seventh annual Heath Arts Exhibition, which opens to the public on Sept. 2. -
This quilted nest wall hanging by Eileen Lively will be on display at the seventh annual Heath Arts Exhibition, which opens to the public on Sept. 2. -
This oil painting by Suzanne Hannay will be on display at the seventh annual Heath Arts Exhibition, which opens to the public on Sept. 2.
HEATH — Community Hall will once again be bursting at the seams with art during this year’s seventh annual Heath Arts Exhibition.
“It is a fabulous display of the community coming together and supporting each other,” said Jean Gran, one of the exhibit’s organizers.
The exhibit will run for one week at Community Hall, 1 East Main St., with the schedule as follows: Saturday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 3, and Monday, Sept. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon.
This year’s exhibit will feature about 90 pieces of art made by about 30 different artists displayed on the walls and free-standing panels. Each artist who contributed to the exhibit has a direct connection to Heath. Artists range in age from 10 years old to their late 80s.
The exhibit also features work in various mediums, including painting, drawing, illustration, photography, textiles, glassblowing, ceramics and woodworking. As community is at the heart of the event, there are no restrictions on the age or type of work that may be submitted. Participants run the gamut from professional artists to hobbyists.
Gran explained the exhibit started when founder Harry Hallman had an assignment in his Greenfield Community College painting class to apply for a grant. This assignment led him to apply for a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant that ended up funding the exhibit. With such great support during the event’s first year, the exhibition now has a board of organizers and takes place annually.
“It was robust from the start,” Gran said. “It has filled an important need in Heath.”
Several participants are part of the senior art program hosted by the Heath Council on Aging where seniors learn new art techniques. Another popular funnel to the exhibit is school weaving programs.
“There is a rich tradition throughout western Massachusetts with art,” Gran emphasized, an idea that is exemplified in the annual show.
With about 100 people attending each reception — planned for Sunday, Sept. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. this year — Gran said artists feel a sense of support that allows them to get more creative and try new things.
“It is a really encouraging environment,” said Gran, who will have photos of flowers on display. “It has been hugely encouraging to me.”
Paintings by late Heath resident Delores “Del” Viarengo will also be displayed.
“We are delighted to host this annual art show once again,” Hallman said. “This is a highly anticipated event for our community and surrounding towns, and the wealth of artistic talent and breadth of work continues to astound us each year.”
Reach Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.