An exhibition and sale of vibrant color and beyond-this-world art on shimmering silk will open at the Manchester Historical Museum on Friday, March 16 (Opening Reception 6 – 8:30 p.m.). “Silk Journey”, a display of sumptuous hand painted silks, both wall décor and elegant wearable designs, by local silk artist and wearable art designer Christine Gauthier-Kelley, will be on exhibit from March 16 to April 12.
The event will feature Christine’s full collection of wearable hand painted silks (shawls, evening jackets, scarves, more), collectable paintings and wall décor and her signature work, accurate renderings on silk of the beautiful images of the universe from the Hubble Telescope. Also, on display will be pieces featured recently on the runway at Silk Painters International and SeARTS Celebrate Wearable Art Shows, including a full mermaid ensemble, complementing a 6-foot wall hanging of a mermaid on paddle board entitled, “Sunset Paddle on Hanalei Bay”.
Christine Gauthier-Kelley is a life-long artist who has worked across many mediums (oils, acrylics, watercolor, fabrics, mosaics), and her journey as an artist leading to silk painting will be on display, culminating in her now 8 years work as a full-time silk artist/designer. A resident of Manchester-by-the Sea, she paints principally as a member of Ten Pound Studio, Gloucester MA. She is an active member or Silk Painters International (SPIN), and SeARTS Wearable Arts Group (wearableart.org). Her work has traveled internationally to England, the Netherlands, Australia, Hawaii, and has been featured in exhibitions and runway shows in New Mexico, North Carolina, Lanesville’s Flat Rock Gallery, Magnolia’s Lexicon Gallery, Wellesley’s Clever Hand Gallery and MGH “Illuminations” art showcase at Massachusetts General Hospital.
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“Love, Not Burden”
Gauthier-Kelley says, “Throughout my life, and during other careers, I never stopped creating because of the sense of connection and wholeness it provides. My drive to work as an artist was always to arrive to a place of depth and transcendence that I could reach through my art experience. With other mediums, there were always the tedious ‘thinking’ details of technique, execution and thinking about the outcome. Silk painting freed me as an artist. I love this most unpredictable art form. Every piece is an experience that only improves by letting the piece lead me as it creates itself. My work is about openness, expansion, movement.”
This rare all-silk display and sale is sure to delight! Manchester Historical Museum director, Beth Whelan says, “We hold one solo artist exhibit per year, and we wanted to bring something unique and totally different that you can’t see every day! “
Christine and the Manchester Historical Museum enthusiastically welcome the public to the Opening Reception on Friday evening, March 16, from 6-8:30 p.m. Contact the MHM at 978-526-7230 to RSVP to this free event. Thereafter the work can be viewed during normal museum hours, Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until April 12. Watch for announcements of silk painting workshops and other special “silk” events which will be held during the month as part of this special exhibition. For a sneak preview, visit the artist’s website at christinesilkart.com.
Additionally, the Manchester Historical Museum is offering a Silk Painting Workshop on Saturday, April 14, as part of “Silk Journey.” The workshop is offered by the artist, Christine Gauthier-Kelley, to provide the free and vibrant experience of painting on silk. This introductory experiential class for any skill level will provide the basic techniques of resist/batik silk painting. Participants will produce a take-home round silk sun catcher wall décor piece and the knowledge to sufficiently paint at home. All materials are provided. Cost of the workshop is $25, limited to 15 participants. Contact the MHM at 978-526-7230 to RSVP to the April 14 class (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).