Seekonk Artist Featured in New Exhibit that Explores Interpretations of the Seasons

Bristol, Rhode Island - The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library today announced that artwork submitted by Seekonk artist Dianne Burns has been recognized as a Work of Distinction in a new juried, community exhibit in which artists share their seasonal interpretative work of chronological, emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, or spiritual seasons. Art For All Seasons is on view in the Community Galleries of the Library until Fri. Feb. 23, 2024. Impressionist artist Stephanie Stroud served as juror for the exhibit.

Mid-September Marshes created by Burns reflects on the period of late summer and early fall.  “This oil painting feels like a memory of stepping out from between the trees and finding a hidden gem with the first signs of fall in a fiery marsh,” said Stroud. “The blue sky reflecting off the water enhances the warm glow of the marsh grasses while the mostly green trees are showing the telltale signs of more to come.”

The writings of Henry David Thoreau and poet, philosopher, songwriter and philanthropist Gugu Mona influenced the exhibit’s theme. Thoreau once wrote, “ Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” Mona wrote, “Each season is unique yet so important, so cherish the seasons in your life.” Both of these writers reflect upon how the different seasons influence their unique perspectives on life. Through this exhibit, artists are invited to do the same.”

“As an artist myself, I have an awareness of how different works of art can appear when viewed on a screen versus in person, and this experience has only confirmed for me how important it is to see art in person,” said Stroud. “Nuance, scale, texture and color can only truly be conveyed live which made choosing works to be recognized in person so important. I particularly enjoyed my time at the Community Gallery at Rogers Free Library viewing the works and the experience of jurying this exhibit and am grateful to have been asked.”

Stroud earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design where she majored in illustration.  A fiber artist who “paints with wool,” she creates impressionistic felted paintings inspired by nature.  Primarily a landscape artist, Stroud is inspired by the variation in landscape that the world around us offers. Stroud exhibits her work at regional art shows including the South Coast Artists Open Studio Tour. She is a Custom Framing Designer at Riverside Art in Somerset Massachusetts and is currently the Membership Chair for South Coast Artists.