Category: Arts

We have a new collection of art in the sanctuary by a photography group who curated their work to create a spectacular, visual awakening.

The photographers, some of whom have shown here before, call themselves f/7 (after the photographic term for the focal length of the lens divided by its aperture). They describe themselve as “a group of six art photographers from Central Vermont who learn from and share with one another our vision of the world. We have produced and exhibited work collectively for several years. Our styles, techniques, favored subjects and artistic philosophies vary, yet our commitment to produce thoughtful, creative and well-presented photographic images has been constant.

“We meet as a group once a month to present photographs tied to a theme that we’ve chosen ahead of time-themes like simplicity, faces, the very tiny, curves, and photographs set to poetry or music. We critique and support each other’s work, share ideas and perspectives, and seek ways to stretch our individual and collective artistic horizons. The interplay between ideas and techniques enhances the nuance of expression that makes the group dynamic stronger than each individual artist taken separately.

“This exhibit explores the theme of AWAKENINGS-after almost two years of global pandemic, in our lives, in our world-with freedom by each f/7 member to express theme as an artistic concept from their own unique perspective.”

You are invited to stop by for a chat with the photographers on Sunday, November 14 at 1 pm. They’ll be here for 2 hours to answer questions and talk about their art. If the weather permits, there will be refreshments served outside. Please were a mask indoors.

For the first time in 2 years, we have art back on the sanctuary walls! They are the landscapes of Fiona Cooper Fenwick. Fiona was a long-time resident of Gregg Hill Road in Waterbury Center. She now lives Hinesburg. Many of her landscapes will be recognizable to us as local views of Camel’s Hump, Ricker Mountain and Mount Mansfield.

Here’s a brief excerpt from her bio found on her website, www.fionacooperfenwick.com:

Fiona grew up in Upstate New York, the youngest of four children.  She attended Bennington College in Vermont, and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Art.  In 1992, Fiona moved to northern Vermont, making a full commitment to painting in 1990.  Fueled by the New England landscape, as well as fine mentors along the way, she continues to pursue her own artistic goals – painting color, light, atmosphere and composition – and focusing on the balance of these elements in nature and art.

Fiona’s work will hang until mid-October. I hope you enjoy these beautiful landscapes that have, to me, a touch of 19th century American Romanticism.

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

This is the first stanza of Lynn Ungar’s wonderful new poem. It is really worth reading. Here’s the link to read the rest at her website.