10 years at Old Spouter
Joan Albaugh Joanna Kane Bobby Frazier Howard Fraker Kasia Baker Alison Hall Cooley Deirdre Briggs Katie Trinkle Legge Michael Rich MJ Levy-Dickson Patrick Beaugard John Evans Patrick McGannon
by Marli Guzzetta Independent Arts Editor
Even at 10 years old, it hardly seems possible that the Old Spouter has yet earned its aged moniker, given that the gallery is one of the best places to see works by new and progressively minded island artists. To celebrate the gallery's first decade at sea, these artists make a gallery homecoming this week to toast the Spouter by adding their pieces to the wall for a group show of all new work by all of the artists she currently represents: Joan Albaugh, Joanna Kane, Bobby Frazier, Howard Fraker, Kasia Baker, Alison Hall Cooley, Deirdre Briggs, Katie Trinkle Legge, Michael Rich, MJ Levy-Dickson, Patrick Beaugard, John Evans and Patrick McGannon. Every artist is a resident, with the exception of Dierdre Briggs. "That's family nepotism," owner Kathleen Walsh said.

KATHLEEN WALSH The Old Spouter Gallery will celebrate island art with a 10th Anniversary Artists of the Gallery Exhiition and Reception on Friday, August 24, from 6 to 8 p.m..Patrons and friends are invited to join together in recognition of the gallery's 10 years representing local talent.

"I started it after I left the Artists' Association, because I wanted to continue selling island art, but on my own." Walsh originally opened the gallery with Deirdre Briggs, her sister (who now lives in Maine).

Walsh comes from an artistic family. Her mother was a painter, and her father was the president of an arts center. "Having that kind of an upbringing steered me in this direction," said Walsh, who "wanted to keep the tradition of the island arts going."

"Because so many galleries were opening up on Main Street. …I thought it would be nice to be outside of town with the space for parking," she added.

Walsh arrived on island in 1984 and began working at the AAN's little gallery on Straight Wharf. "There weren't as many galleries, that's for sure," Walsh remembered, adding that the community of island artists remains close. "I think everyone still tries to support each other," Walsh said.

In the spirit of avoiding competition and fostering a familial atmosphere, Walsh guards the tradition of holding elegant, Friday night art openings. "Because it's one of the traditions disappearing from the island," said the owner, who is known for her lovely wine and cheese spreads. "I think the island's changing. The pie is getting sliced thinner with what people can do with time and money on the island - there are only so many galleries and so many events."

Walsh expanded the gallery four years ago to include folk art, antiques, pillows, blankets - "home enhancements." "I pick odd things - odd, curious, whimsical things," Walsh said.

As the island galleries increase their stock in off-island artists, Walsh believes that local artists can still hold their own. "I mean, look at the quality of artists who live here," Walsh said. "It's a great place to paint, because of the light and the loneliness."

The owner said she'd love to take on more island artists in the building with the beautiful butterfly gardens and outdoor sculpture.

"I'm not going anywhere," Walsh said. "There aren't enough good places to represent how many good artists

there are on island." I

10TH ANNIVERSARY OPENING RECEPTION

When: Fri., Aug. 24, 6 - 8 p.m. Where: Old Spouter Gallery, 118

Orange St. Cost: Free For more information, please call

325-9988.