Thank You Shy Artists

Congratulations and thank you to the 43 artists who bravely exhibited their work at this year’s 8th Annual Shy, Novice & Closeted Art Show. What a beautiful and inspiring show! Extra thanks to those who helped make the show a success by preparing the exhibit space, hanging the art, posting posters, bringing stunning bouquets of flowers, food and drinks, painting signs, and cleaning up.

The Shy, Novice & Closeted Art Show also wishes to thank the Mahoosuc Arts Council for your support in bridging the arts within our community. And a grand thank you to all of the folks in the community who visited the show. Visitors are often surprised to find how many of their neighbors, friends, or local business acquaintances are extremely talented artists. By sharing your experience and impressions of this show with another person it provides a simplistic means to support and build community through the arts.

This year's show honored the photographic talents of the late Peter Haines. Mr. Haines exhibited one of his favorite photographs in the first Shy, Novice & Closeted Art Show in 2004. The photo was titled “Coming Home” and depicted a handful of his cows wandering from the brook next to a simple dirt road back toward the barn. His nephew graciously provided several other photographs Mr. Haines had taken over the years, including a striking black and white self portrait.

Again to all 43 shy, novice and/or closeted artists, congratulations and thank you for the journey it may have been for you to bring your art into the public eye. By the expressions of those who visited the show, our little corner of the world is a better place for you having done so!

Janet Willie

Bethel