The Gallery: Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

MCL is proud to offer The Gallery, a space for the exhibition of original works by local and regional artists. The Gallery has the same operating hours as the Library as a whole, and hosts openings when new artists take up residence on our walls.

Current Exhibition

August 9 – September 27 Etchings by Luigi Lucioni, provided by Manchester Historical Society.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Barbara Shermund Original Cartoon exhibit, Let’s Share Some Laughs, has been canceled. In its stead, the Manchester Historical Society has graciously agreed to put up a display in the Gallery. Many thanks to MHS for pulling this together on very short notice.

Manchester Historical Society has generously lent the MCL Gallery a collection of etchings by Italian-born American artist Luigi Lucioni (1900-1988). Lucioni was a familiar figure around Manchester during the summer months. He has a special place in the history of Manchester and the hearts of many community members. Lucioni would spend the winter months at home in New York City, creating etchings based on the scenes he had painted the previous summer that capture the distinctive beauty of our local landscape. He would use these etchings to make his annual Christmas cards. His friends saved this collection of original cards and envelopes, which has been donated to the Manchester Historical Society for the permanent collection. Many local families bought original etchings of the same scenes for their homes.

Lucioni bought his summer home in Manchester in 1939, and by then had become a well-known artist. His love for Vermont arose from its resemblance to the northern Italian town at the foot of the Alps where he was born. For 48 years, he lived and painted every summer in Manchester. His warm personality and engaging manners made him a favorite among the summer visitors and the local community alike. “We didn’t think of Luigi as a famous artist,” said Manchester friends Frank and Sharron Kropa, “but as the head of this wonderful, colorful, and opinionated extended family who became so much a part of our lives. It was a joy to have known them all.”

The collection of original cards and envelopes on display in the MCL Gallery was generously donated to MHS by Frank and Sharron Kropa.

If you would like to learn more about Luigi Lucioni, or any other facet of local history, contact the Manchester Historical Society at info@manchesterhistoricalsocietyvt.org, or stop by their archive room in the lower level of the Library on Fridays from 1 – 3 pm.

Upcoming Exhibition

October 3 – November 15 Artist Wendy Galbraith

Gallery Opening Event: Friday, October 3, 5 – 7 pm

Artist Statement

“I am honored to exhibit my work at my hometown library and happy to share my love of our local surroundings through my artful expression. Our natural world exhibits its own beautiful art in golden sunsets, green fields, purple mountains, colorful wild flowers, miraculous rainbows, heavenly clouds… the inspiration is endless.  We are so blessed to live where the visions we see every day feel like a bit of heaven on earth.  All we have to do is open our eyes and truly see the beauty around us.”

Wendy Galbraith Biography

I have been creating art since childhood.  My early years of drawing and painting transitioned into successful creative careers in the fashion and interior design fields.

Educated at Iowa State University and Parsons School of Design, I earned degrees in Fine Arts and Fashion Design.  Working as a fashion designer for 20 years in New York City, I traveled the world for inspiration.  Years later, for my second career in the interior design field, I opened my own business creating custom window treatments and soft interior furnishings. Now retired, I enjoy having time to explore my interest in painting. 

I grew up on the New Jersey Shore loving the beach and the ocean.  Summers spent at the shore as well as our family home on Lake George in the Adirondacks had a tremendous influence on how I visualise the natural world. The breathtaking beauty of nature continues to influence the creation of my work. Capturing the colors, the mood, and the stories of nature bring me much joy. 

A client recently wrote, “Wendy’s brushstrokes conjure up the changing interplay of light and dark, wind and water, mountains and sky, in paintings that surpass photo realism.”

 I am happy to create commissioned works of art. Please call for a consultation. 802-362-7018

Youth Gallery

MCL is proud to offer the Youth Gallery space on the walls of the Children’s Library. The Youth Gallery features the work of local young artists and hosts a gallery opening for each exhibit.

Contact

To get information about The Gallery or pitch an exhibition, contact Paige Vignola at pvignola@mclvt.org or (802) 549-4574.