ANDOVER — A group of local artists were simply seeking a warm place to meet during the winter months, but found inspiration there as well.
The Andover Center for History and Culture has a new exhibit, but not from the past. The center has unveiled a set of artworks by local artists, all inspired by center artifacts.
Called “Through New Eyes,” the exhibit features the work of 14 artists and is open now at the Andover Center for History and Culture, 97 Main St.
Center Director Elaine Clements said the mission is to be part of the community so the project with local artists was a natural step and way to reach out to a new portion of the community.
“(It) did a lot to help us accomplish our mission,” she said.
In one of the glass boxes of the exhibit sits a colorful maternity gown.
Methuen sculptor and painter Alan Michel said the dress caught his eye.
“It seemed very contemporary to me,” said Michel.
He partially attributed this to the asymmetrical placement of a pattern on the dress. Michel took this pattern and transformed it into a painting called “Timeless Plaid.”
One of the artists responsible for the collaboration is oil painter Dorothy Lorenze.
Being at the center “opened up so many ideas,” Lorenze said.
Lorenze chose an old fire alarm to paint.
Her piece is called “World on Fire,” which she adds wasn’t intended to be a political statement.
Lorenze, a still-life painter, said her grandfather was a firefighter.
She said in the past fire brigades were made up of members of the community coming together. She said a similar thing was needed now.
Kathy Reming, a printmaker, created an accordion, inspired by an artifact from the society.
Local painter Dave Drinon took inspiration from the center’s barn.
“The light was just trickling in,” he said.
He said the barn interested him because it made him think about what life was like back then. He added the murky lighting added to this mystery.
Drinon often works on night paintings. Drinon said with night painting artists aren’t afforded as much contrast and instead the distinction is more “suggested,” as values are more closely together.
At first, Andover based artist Michele Bourgeau said, the artists met in a backyard. She said the artists are both trying to build a community for themselves and find ways to be a part of the broader community.
The group is still working on a name for themselves.
Bourgeau used found items to create a piece inspired by a magic lantern. Her piece is meant to show the progress of history.
For more information on each artist visit andoverhistoryandculture.org/throughneweyes
The exhibition will be open through April 24.
