The Jaffrey Civic Center is pleased to announce an exhibit of watercolor and oil paintings by Joan Barrows will be on view in the first floor Display Cases until February 9.
“For me, thinking about, involving myself in, and creating art, always just felt right. Not that I've been particularly confident doing so but I've always received encouragement from those close to me.
“Since graduating from the University of Hartford with a degree in black and white photography I've allowed a myriad of distractions be my excuses for not doing more art. While raising 4 children and tending our small farm, watercolor and photography have been my primary mediums for the last 35 years. While not requiring large chunks of time and complicated involvement, these mediums have been utilitarian and comfortable.
“Over the last year I've taken the leap into oil painting. This has been a scary, challenging, frustrating and exciting, fulfilling and inspirational adventure. It's been a year of exploration. Already I am seeing an evolution in my work that is likely influenced by my attraction to the simplicity in monochrome (black and white photography).
“I've settled into an organized studio and doing art nearly every day and when I'm succeeding I feel like a little girl, roll playing with the most wonderful toys and living the most perfect fantasy. It's been a long process that is just beginning to bring me to trust my ability and question less my decisions. At 56 years old, I'm realizing what I'm meant to do.
The Jaffrey Civic Center is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire (next to Library, parking in rear). Winter hours are: Tuesday 10-6, Wed-Fri 1-5. For more information about the Center either call 603-532-6527 or find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com.
