Frank Drown stands beside a display of the exotic canes that he carves. A crowd of about 100 from the Northfield community attended the opening reception for the Paine Mountain Arts Council Annual Show last Friday in the Community Room of the Brown Public Library and Paine House. Photo by Mark Comiskey, The Northfield News The Paine Mountain Arts Council sponsored The Fifth Annual Art Show at the Northfield Historical Society Paine House and Community Room last weekend. The Opening Reception was held on Friday evening where Committee Cochairman, Frank Drown, folk art carver, welcomed a large crowd of art lovers. He thanked everyone for working to get here to make this important community event possible. The Committee coming to enjoy the exhibit included Robin LeHue, Isabel Weinger Nielsen, Fred White, Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams and Bill Barnard. He remarked that the show would be impossible without the help of Jim Jones who was responsible for setting up the exhibit. Jeanne Cook was the program designer. Tom Clifford designed the poster. Shirley Melville was responsible for arranging the reception. Student interns, Olivia Drown and Pearl Weggler were also recognized. He expressed his gratitude to the many other unnamed volunteers who graciously shared their time and efforts.

The Art Show was dedicated to the memory of two loyal supporters. Louise Halsted was remembered as a patron and benefactor. Brent Martin had been both an artist and a crew member. Their participation will be missed.

More than 30 artists from Northfield, Braintree, Roxbury, Brookfield, and Riverton exhibited their art. The Paine Mountain Arts Council opens the exhibit to all artists who wish to share their work with the world. The Art Show is an important opportunity to bring the artists in contact with the members of the community. The mix of professional artists and artists who create art while working at other professions is what makes this show unique. The quality and variety of the works exhibited is amazing. The art lover can enjoy paintings in many styles: pastels, drawings, mixed media, photographs, sculpture, pottery, fiber art, basketry, wood carvings and collage. All of the works are displayed in an attractive and professional manner. The community members have the opportunity to enjoy good art and even bring some of the pieces home.

The Paine Mountain Arts Council was founded in 2005 to provide a venue for artists of all kinds. It encourages both professional and amateur artists who live in our local area to share their talents with the community. The organization sponsors various programs throughout the year.

On Saturday evening, May 8, 2010, a concert of piano, viola, flute and harp will be presented

the United Church. It is a privilege to live in such rich community.