The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘Inspired by Audubon’ opens at Gallery SHS
SHARON — Gallery SHS of the Sharon Historical Society & Museum presents “Inspired by Audubon: The Art of Allen Blagden”, an exhibition and sale of work by Salisbury artist Allen Blagden.
The exhibit runs from Saturday through Oct. 25. An opening wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will be held from 47 p.m. Saturday. The artist will give a tour of his exhibit from 45 p.m., Oct. 12. Registration is appreciated, email audubon@sharonhist.org.
According to a statement from the gallery, Allen Blagden is one of the foremost bird watercolorists of today. He has received numerous awards and his pieces can be found in renowned institutions such as the Addison Gallery of American Art, the Berkshire Museum and the Shelburne Museum. He has written, illustrated for and been featured in, several books and publications.
From his early career, birds have been among his favored subjects, as is evident from his work as an illustrator for the Department of Ornithology at the Smithsonian Institution. Blagden has also been recognized for his portraits, landscapes and paintings of nonfeathered wildlife. His work attempts to connect viewers with the natural world.
As Caroline Welsh of the Adirondack Museum observed, he “invites his viewers to engage with his animal subject with empathy and curiosity. His goal is to increase our awareness of the importance of wildlife and nature to the quality of human life.”
The show of wildlife watercolors and prints will complement an exhibition on the art, life and legacy of John James Audubon. “Wild and Beautiful Creatures: The Life and Work of J.J. Audubon,” organized by the Sharon Historical Society, the two part show will be at the Sharon Historical Society & Museum and at the Tremaine Gallery of the Hotchkiss School.
A full program of lectures and events are planned throughout the fall at the museum, the Tremaine Gallery and at Sharon Audubon Center. Blagden’s work continues the tradition of American realism that looks to wildlife as a subject, a genre popularized by Audubon.
Gallery SHS is located at the Sharon Historical Society & Museum, 18 Main Street, Route 41, Sharon.
The gallery and museum are open Wednesday through Saturday from noon4 p.m., and by appointment.
For information and directions to Gallery SHS, call 8603645688.
For additional information about the Sharon Historical Society & Museum, visit www.sharonhist.org .