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 Gallery Exhibition
Landscape Paintings by Jill V. Burke will be on display May 9 – June 14 in the Main Gallery space.
This solo exhibition features the luminous landscapes of Jill V. Burke, a Vermont-based contemporary artist whose work captures the spirit and serenity of the natural world. Working in both pastels and oil paints, Burke draws deep inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Adirondack wilderness and the verdant valleys of Vermont.
Originally from New York and New Jersey, Jill relocated to Vermont for a teaching position and has since made it her artistic home. Now semi-retired, she devotes her time to exploring and expressing the landscapes that have long captivated her. Her style reflects a blend of influences—from the expressive resilience of Nell Blaine to the evocative Adirondack scenes of Paul Matthews, and the masterful techniques of pastel artists Robert Carsten and Albert Handell.
A member of both the Adirondack and Vermont Pastel Societies, Jill has exhibited widely in solo and group shows throughout the region. Her work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the quiet majesty of the Northeast’s natural splendor.
Upcoming Exhibition
June 20 – August 2 Line by Line by Trish Weisbrot
Gallery Exhibit Opening: Friday, June 20, 5 – 7 pm
Join us for a gallery opening celebrating the graphite artwork of Trish Weisbrot. Her hand-drawn pieces explore the depth and subtlety of black and white, using tone and texture to bring each subject to life.
Experience the beauty of graphite and the depth of simplicity in this intimate exhibition. The opening reception is a drop-in event with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist.
Artist’s Statement
In the summer of 2002, looking over the shoulder of an artist at work, I said, “Wish I could do that!” She replied, “You can!” as she handed me a pencil and a piece of paper, and I haven’t put the pencil down yet.
“Why graphite?” I have been asked that question many times. Color can distract the eye. Are you looking at the color or the subject itself? I love working with a palette of two colors: tone and texture. It is like sculpting, molding, and painting with tones. So, to answer the question: Why graphite? For the challenge of it.
As Spike Milligan said, “I’ll draw a sketch of thee. What kind of pencil shall I use? 2B or not 2B?”
About the Artist
Trish Weisbrot earned a B.F.A. in Drama and an M.A. in Education. She has worked in the film industry in New York City, as a teacher for children with learning disabilities, and has owned an independent bookstore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Artistically, she has explored various mediums, including graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor. She states, “I am exploring, learning, and loving each step of the way. Art is in the doing… so the journey continues.”
Trish has exhibited her art at the Kittery Art Association, the York Library, Arts in the Barn, and the Lobster Festival Show in Maine, as well as at the Southern Vermont Art Center here in Manchester. She specializes in traditionally hand-drawn pet portraits of dogs, cats, horses, or frogs, but “no snakes, spiders, or any creepy crawlies.” Working from customer-provided photographs, she asserts that her graphite portraiture method “allows for subtlety and range of tones to create not only likeness but also the unique spirit that makes your pet special.”
Trish offers commissioned pet portraits, hand-drawn with graphite on Bristol, acid-free archival drawing paper. Each picture is roughly 8” x 10”.
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.