Reviews
The lead!
‘StJ Art on the Street’: Does the Northeast Kingdom have a new art Mecca?"
By Mary Gow, Times Argus Arts Correspondent Jan 9, 2021
"Two amiable brown bears, red cups in hand — or paw — share a cheery riverside moment in Delia Robinson’s painting “To Your Health My Dear,” in the front window of 142 Eastern Ave. The bears are accompanied by other paintings by Robinson and a selection of her clay whistles, little sculptures in mythical and whimsical forms, that indeed whistle when blown."
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"“StJ Art on the Street Winter Exhibition” features artwork by 11 Northeast Kingdom artists. Paintings and some sculpture are among the pieces displayed in downtown St. Johnsbury storefront windows. This exhibition continues to Feb. 28.
These mini solo shows can all be viewed from outdoors. Displays include information about the artists and feature QR codes, connecting viewers directly with artists’ websites.
“StJ Art on the Street” is a superb match for this COVID-19 era of outdoor activity and physical distancing. Walking along downtown sidewalks, viewers can savor a compelling range of art from acclaimed area artists.
The seeds for the exhibition predate the pandemic, but emerged in response to another widespread condition — vacant commercial space in a once retail-rich downtown.
“Everybody has an idea of what Main Street looks like in rural America right now. It’s hard to have retail with the changes that have happened. But we can celebrate so many things that we are doing right,” explained Heather Alger who teamed up with Patricia Anderson, also of St. Johnsbury, to add their efforts to downtown revitalization.
“Let’s wash these windows and get some things in them,” was their original impetus, Alger recalled, noting that some of the empty windows had not been cleaned in years." ...