Whistler House opens new exhibit featuring Boston School artists
It’s been three years since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all museums, large and small, forcing some to close permanently and others to alter their openings and exhibits greatly.
But, at long last, Lowell’s Whistler House Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of “In the Light of the Past: The Students of Paul Ingbretson,” running June 3-Aug. 26 in the Parker Gallery. A reception will take place 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 3.
Since 1982, The Ingbretson Studio of Drawing and Painting in Lawrence has educated artists in the 19th-century Boston School approach to painting. This stunning collection of work represents the broad range, style, and individuality which his students have developed — and are still developing — under his guidance and knowledge.
Ingbretson, the juror for the exhibition, is a top-tier professional artist, teacher, and leading modern-day exponent of what’s known as the “Boston School” of American art.
His background includes several years at the Art Students League of New York alongside many of their top artists. Ingbretson ultimately organized his artistic approach around the values, work, analysis, and writings associated with the “Boston School,” as interpreted by the late R. H. Ives Gammell.
He is equally adept and talented in painting portraits, interiors, still lifes, and landscapes, and teaches privately in Lawrence and Haverhill, New Hampshire. He was a long serving president of the prestigious Guild of Boston Artists, which was initially formed at the beginning of the 20th Century by the artists responsible for the evolution of the “Boston School.”
He will give a talk to accompany the exhibition at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8. All are welcome. Call 978-452-7641 or visit www.whistlerhouse.org for details.
Gallery Notes
FREE FIRST SUNDAY: You can enjoy the exhibits and special programs at the Worcester
Art Museum for free from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 4. The Free First Sunday program is geared for all ages, toddlers to elders, and worth checking out. Visit www.worcesterart.org for schedule and info.
LAST CHANCE: Sunday,
June 4 is your last chance to see “Paper Town” at the Fitchburg Art Museum. This exhibition takes paper out of the twodimensional and into a world that is fantastical, intricate, colorful, and personal. Inspired by the materiality of paper and the metamorphic quality of the papermaking process, “Paper Town” explores paper in pulp, cast, folded, and cut forms. Visit https://fitchburgartmuseum.org/ paper-town/ for info on the exhibit, other FAM exhibits, hours, and admission.
A REMINDER: The gorgeous spring weather we’ve been having lately beckons us outside to enjoy the flowers, birds, and bees. And you can see six stunning gardens and help a worthy cause on Friday-saturday, June 2-3 at the Concord Museum’s 34th Annual Garden Tour.
Gardens are open both days 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and it goes on rain or shine. Free admission to the museum, too, with ticket purchase. Visit https://concordmuseum.org/events/34th-annualgarden-tour/ for tickets and info.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is nancyedt@verizon.net