MASSACHUSETTS
Jennifer Costello and her son in the snow.
A New Year on being even more together and stronger creatively. When we got to describing the year that had just wrapped up, my family and I were alternately joyous and maybe saddened just a bit to hear my kid’s descriptions: “A Lot Happened” seemed to be the best overall summary; “Loved Being Outside” was inspiring; and “We Missed Out” was, well, a true-to-life-bummer.
We have missed out, no doubt, and to say otherwise is being disingenuous. Yes, we haven’t been out of the state for over half a year. And because we weren’t rushing around here and there, we enjoyed more meaningful family time together this past break than, well, it seems like, ever! I truly feel like we’re beginning to see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” I can assure you, we’re not letting up on our efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy, as we continue to be a source of social connection and well-being for our colleagues.
Some of the highlights of our chapter have been continuing our members’ visibility through Hello World, An Art Affair Around the Globe (a virtual travelogue of artworks created by nearly 250 artists working in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia: https://transculturalexchange.org/activities/hw/venues.htm) and our online ‘Shops’ and the power of collaboration e.g. SEBA (South End Business Alliance) to support, strengthen and unify. We continue to have sales, virtual presence, and bricks n’ mortar presence to maximize our members’ artistic talents.
Hello 2021, as we are “freshly-pressed” and smiling just like as in every other year as we continue to connect, share, and celebrate the many great things this new year can and has brought for us thus far. With that said, we are pleased to announce the ‘WOMXN’ Call for Entries. ‘WOMXN’ is an open themed juried exhibition. ‘WOMXN’ is in the mind, in the heart, and in the soul. This invitational group exhibition of 2D and 3D works explore being masculine and feminine at the same time. The willingness to endure, ‘summit’ to, or at least try. To stand up for what is right or to be able to feel the good in our hearts. This exciting exhibition opportunity is in the historic Hooper Mansion, Marblehead. MAA is in its 99th year of “bringing art to life”.
Our Chapter continues to grow with a healthy roster of 2021 and beyond exhibitions: 10 and counting, www.nawama.org/calendar , Sheltering in Place III Social, along with our Scholarship 2021 recipients to come. These bright and talented young women will each receive $1500 along with the third underwritten by Signature Consulting. We continue with scheduled demo/talks such as ‘A Few Basics of Marketing and an Introduction to Instagram’ as part of ‘Your Social Media Arsenal II&III’, along with PR coverage via sponsor Artscope Magazine, Artscope e-blast, IG, and Facebook.
Let’s end by saying ‘THANK YOU’ for being such an integral component in this shared responsibility that is being a strong creative voice.
Jennifer Jean Costello, President
MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER
