Chandler Gallery’s New Exhibit
Is ‘Leaving An Impression’

"Leaving An Impression" is a celebration of printmaking that opens this weekend at the Chandler Gallery on Main St. in Randolph and runs through November 18. The exhibit marks the unveiling of a Chandler Centennial commemorative poster designed by renowned Vermont printmaker Sabra Field and a collaboration with the Two Rivers Printmaking Studio.

Some of the Upper Valley’s most noted printmakers have created a series of prints in a wide variety of techniques and styles that enable the viewer to see the expressive power of printmaking media. This portfolio of 24 prints, which was done at the Two Rivers Printmaking Studio, will be part of the "Leaving An Impression "exhibit at Chandler. This studio in White River Junction offers complete intaglio, lithography, photo etching and relief printing facilities and is a resource for area artists. This portfolio is included in the permanent collections of museums and galleries around the country.

A special feature of the exhibit will be the unveiling of a commemorative centennial poster featuring the work of renowned Vermont printmaker Sabra Field. Chandler’s poster will feature one of her iconographic images of Vermont, rolling hills under a moonlit sky. The use of the image of "Strawberry Moon" was donated to Chandler by Field to support the work of Chandler Center for the Arts into the next century. Several of her prints will also be on display during the exhibit.

Field will give a gallery talk and slide presentation Sunday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m., discussing her life as an artist in Vermont. The centennial posters will be for sale and she will be available to sign copies of this special commemorative.

Featured artists also include Bruce Peck and Meghan Swanson, who are at different ends of their artistic careers. Peck is an accomplished American printmaker, born and raised in India. He has been making etchings for over 20 years, exploring in detail the beauty and character of the New England landscape. He etches and prints all of his copper plates himself and hand colors the resulting prints.

A current graduate student in printmaking, Swanson is at the beginning of her career. She said that her attraction to the process of lithography began when she realized that, "Printmaking focuses on the process and each individual step to reach a final product. I enjoy the sense of mystery associated with printmaking; not until you pull your first proof of any plate will you truly know what you’re going to get."

The community is invited to a reception for the exhibit Saturday, Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m.

If you are interested in exploring more about this art form and the related process of digital photography you might also want to attend one of Chandler Gallery’s workshops offered in conjunction with this exhibit. One on landscape relief prints will be offered for young people and another on digital photography will be taught Saturday, Nov. 3. Call Chandler at 728-9878 for more information.

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