Merriam-Gilbert Public Library

Susan Kallander's "American Perspectives"

Monday, January 9 - Thursday, March 29

Opening reception Saturday, January 7, 11-2,

2nd floor meeting room

When Susan Kallander was five her family moved to a farm in Southborough, Massachusetts where she lived until she finished Massachusetts College of Art in Boston and was married. Growing up with 85 acres of field and forest to roam gave her confidence in exploring the outdoors and her curiosity drove her to poke into and peel away layers of the natural world. Painting outside is her favorite place to be and even in the winter she may be found in her car in a sunny warm spot doing a watercolor. When she can't be out she paints still lifes of fruits and vegetables mixing them up with favorite objects such as copper pots for color and reflection, fabric for texture and drape and glass for reflective color and crispness. The favored media is oil, watercolor and pastel; pastel for speed and intensity, watercolor for translucency and portability and oil for forgiveness. Though art is created in the left side of the brain her balanced thought process tends to make her paint with a logical mind. She will use what ever is handy for a plumb line to ensure verticals are true and the light source is consistent in shadows and reflections. Objects need to look grounded. She conveys her happy attitude and subject matter that looks full of life and vibrant with color such as plump vegetables, babbling brooks. The opposite is true in her architectural paintings because she prefers buildings that show the character of age and use.

Ms. Kallander also studied at The DeCordova Musem School in Lincoln, MA accummulating credits toward a Master's Degree. Artists with whom she has studied or has been influenced by: Carleton Plummer AWS, Prof. Carl Smaltz, AWS, and Loring Coleman, AWS., gallery.

Art Exhibit and Display Policy

• The purpose of exhibits at the Library is to present artwork in all media that will serve to stimulate the appreciation and understanding of art in the greater West Brookfield community.



• The Library will provide insurance coverage for the loss or damage of the artwork. Valuations will be provided by the artist/owner of the artwork and will be based upon the face value.



• Artists interested in exhibiting their own work or items from their personal collection will submit a written request, and provide at least 3 examples of their work.



• Exhibits may be flat or 3-dimensional, including paintings, drawings, etchings, posters, photographs, mixed media, sculptures, textiles, pottery, crafts and collectibles. All artwork must be properly framed prior to the exhibit, which shall not be at the Library’s expense. If accepted, the exhibits will remain on display for a length of time determined by the Library Director. Either individuals or groups may apply to exhibit their work, and written requests will be accepted from professional artists, accomplished amateurs and collectors. Those submitting a request should indicate specific exhibit dates preferred, which will be subject to final approval by the Library Director.



• The artist(s) will work with the Library staff to develop a quality exhibit that is appropriate to the space provided. The installation and removal of the exhibit will be the responsibility of the artist(s), and will be completed 24 hours prior to the exhibits opening date. Any artwork that is not suitably prepared (i.e.: framed, pedestals for sculptures, etc.) for exhibit may be refused. All exhibit specifications including size, location, and selection of artwork requires authorization from of Library Director.



• Any printed materials (i.e. pamphlets, booklets, companion catalogues, etc.) and their associated costs are the sole responsibility of the artist(s).



• The artist(s) will keep the artwork on display for the entire exhibit period, and will remove the exhibit during the next day the Library is closed.



• Artists will be allowed to keep contact information available at the circulation desk in the event there are public inquiries concerning the purchase of their artwork.



• The Library staff are not authorized to act as agents in the sale of art displayed in or outside of the Library on behalf of the exhibiting artist(s).



• The Library reserves the right to publicize the exhibit and any events related to it.



• Artists may hold a public reception during the exhibit dates their work is on display pending the Library Director’s approval.



• All exhibits will be loaned free-of-charge to the Library and admission-free to the general public.