Friends accepting artists for juried art exhibit
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Joan Sprachman is one of the judges of the Regional Juried Art Exhibition to be held at Marlborough Public Library. PHOTO/SUBMITTED

Marlborough - The Friends of the Marlborough Public Library are polishing their easels in preparation for the 36th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition. The show, which will run from Monday Nov. 5 through Sunday Nov. 11, will feature several different mediums including drawing, paintings, prints and mixed media.

Professional and nonprofessional artists interested in entering the show must be 18 years of age or older and have their readyto hang pieces submitted to the library by 5 p.m. Friday Nov. 2.

In 1970, the Friends of the Library organization was established with a goal of offering cultural programs. The president of the organization is Raymond Johnson.

"It all began on a cold wintry night at the old Post Office," Johnson said.

The Post Office, he explained, was the temporary home of the library in 1967 after arsons burned the original library down.

Johnson also explained that he has been involved with this event since the first juried art show 36 years ago.

"Artists submit work from a 50-mile radius," Johnson said. "It is pleasantly surprising the quality of the work submitted by the artists."

The event is not a major fund-raising activity for the organization, but rather an opportunity to give the talented local artists an opportunity for exposure.

"I do not have any talent in this area and I am impressed at what they can put on a canvas," Johnson said. "You don't have to go to Boston or Worcester; the quality is phenomenal."

The judges for this year's event include three prominent artists. Brenda Bucklin Manning is a Hudson resident who boasts 30 years of professional painting experience and her paintings and prints hang at numerous galleries across the country. Diane Scott Auger is a former editor and art teacher who has received several awards recently for her acrylic works. Joan Sprachman was educated at both the Worcester and the Danforth art museums in acrylics, oil, pastels and watercolor.

"I love to watch the judges dissect and argue about each piece," Johnson said. "They look at what the artist is trying to present and how they present it."

He explained that it is hard because sometimes the artists are disappointed because not all of the submitted works are hung in the exhibition.

The panel of judges will award cash prizes for first, second and third place as well as three honorable mention awards. There will also be three additional awards given out: "The Sam and Marble Field Award" for best description of nature, "The Marlborough Cultural Council Award" for a Marlborough artist, and the "Judges Award." All of the awards will be presented at 7 p.m. during the "Annual Reception for the Arts" Monday Nov. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Bigelow Auditorium will be transformed into an upscale gallery within the next week and will be adorned with flowers, plants and art work.

Local residents are invited to attend the reception and view the artwork as well as enjoy the background music provided by pianist Elizabeth H. de Lucia on the library's Steinway piano.

For information about submitting work or viewing hours, stop by the Marlborough Public Library or contact Friends of the Library Vice President Teresa Stefanski at 508-485- 4204.