Current Art Exhibits
November 2024
James E. Mahoney Foyer and Wakelin Room
WSA Annual Library Show
November 1 @ 8:00 am – November 30 @ 5:00 pm
The Wellesley Society of Artists Annual Library Show is on exhibit at the Wellesley Free Library in the Wakelin Room and the James E. Mahoney Foyer, November 1-30. This show features the artwork of over 40 members, reflecting eclectic display of genres and mediums. This show is judged by artist educator Julie Beck. Awards for first, second, and third place, along with honorable mentions and the Margaret Fitzwilliam Award for Excellence in watercolor and the Yale Nicolls Award for Best Interpretation of the Natural World will be announced on Saturday, November 23, 1:30pm at the Awards Reception. Immediately following the announcement of the awards, there will be an artist demonstration with Hilary Osborn, Changing Your Scale: Re-Vision in Landscape Painting will give an idea of how one can change a smaller oil study into a larger format. What are the considerations at play? Audience questions will be welcome. All attendees of the artist demo are invited to bring an item to donate to the Wellesley Food Pantry.
Lucky U Display Case
Aesop’s Fables by Nancy Schon
Nancy Schon is a Boston-based sculptor, celebrated for her warm and evocative representation of human and animal figures. Her work, characterized by a profound sense of empathy and detail, captures the essence of her subjects — making them relatable and endearing to viewers of all ages. She is best known for her iconic Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in the Boston Public Garden, which brings to life the beloved characters from Robert McCloskey’s classic children’s book. This charming installation has become a cherished landmark, delighting generations of visitors with its playful depiction of a mother duck leading her ducklings.
Schon’s Aesop’s Fables sculptures are a masterful series inspired, of course, by the ancient, previously enslaved Greek storyteller, Aesop. With a collection of twenty-four sculptures, each piece corresponds to one of the twenty-four letters in the Greek alphabet, creating a symbolic link to the origins of these timeless tales. Schon’s imaginative approach not only pays homage to the cultural heritage of Aesop’s fables, but also serves as a tribute to the universality and enduring relevance of these stories. Learn more about Nancy Schon and her work at schon.com.
Commons Area Entry Display Cases
Historical Photographs of Hunnewell and Hardy Schools by the Wellesley Historical Society
The Wellesley Historical Society proudly houses an extensive collection of over 35,000 historic photographs and negatives, offering a rich visual archive that chronicles the town’s vibrant history. This invaluable collection serves as a window into the past, capturing the people, places, architecture, events, organizations, and countless other aspects that have shaped Wellesley’s unique identity over the years.
Each photograph and negative in the collection is a piece of the larger mosaic that tells the story of Wellesley, preserving the town’s heritage for future generations. The Society’s dedication to maintaining and expanding this archive ensures that Wellesley’s rich history remains accessible and relevant, allowing both locals and visitors to connect with the town’s legacy in a deeply meaningful way. Learn more about the Wellesley Historical Society and its collection at wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org.
Learn more about the history of Wellesley Elementary schools at wellesleyfreelibrary.org/wellesley-elementary-schools!
Commons Area Interior Display Cases and Jackie’s Room Display Cases