For the first few weeks of May, the Morse Institute Library will feature works from Natick Artist Open Studios (NAOS) artists. Outstanding pieces selected by a local curator will be displayed on the lower level of the library. A reception will be held for the artists on Sunday, May 7.
Arts at the Library
Community Relations Coordinator Anna Litten views the display of local artists’ works to be part of the Morse Institute Library’s services to the public. “Our mission includes serving as a community and cultural center to Natick, and we love the opportunity to host community groups like this one in our display space,” she said.
“We are proud to support art in Natick,” Litten continued. “With such great galleries, arts events, and a deep commitment to art in town, we feel that hosting the juried show is a great way for us to support community needs and interests in our library.”
This attitude is part of Natick’s long history of championing creative people and their industries, providing outlets for them to share their work and be sustained by local residents.
A New Step for NAOS
NAOS has been a significant part of this history for nearly two decades, providing an annual event that presents the wide range of artists who live or work in Natick. It includes photographers, painters, sculptors and others that display their work throughout Natick center, creating a multi-location exhibition.
It is one of many Natick events that showcase art throughout the year, including ArtWalk, Natick Nights and the Natick Farmers’ Market. These opportunities allow artists of all disciplines and skill levels to find their place in the community.
Deb Sayre, a longtime NAOS organizer, is ushering in a new phase. “It seemed to be the time to add an event that featured ‘the best of the best’ in the form of a juried show, which we hope will include those artists and artisans who are in galleries, museums and other top-tier facilities, locally and nationally,” she said.
Jurying a Show
To accomplish this, a jury was selected. Jessica Roscio, head curator at the Danforth Art Museum in Framingham, has been with the museum for six years. Her expertise is in art history and museums, and in her role she oversees an exhibition program, among other duties.
Roscio moved to Natick with her family a year and a half ago, and is looking forward to making more connections within the Natick community. “I was already familiar with many Natick-based artists, including photographer Marie Craig, whose work I have long admired. She contacted me about jurying the exhibition for NAOS, and I am thrilled to do it,” she said.
Roscio has juried multiple exhibitions before, both online and in person, including the Danforth Art Annual in 2016, which draws some of the best in contemporary regional work.
“Due to the museum’s relocation, and our current (temporary) lack of on-site gallery space, we are not holding the exhibition this year,” she explained. “That means I am particularly excited to see contemporary work in other venues!”
Celebrate Local Art
The NAOS show will be held in the Morse Institute Library’s Lebowitz Hall and adjoining lobby from Monday, May 1 to Thursday, May 18. A reception will be held on Sunday, Sunday, May 7, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
To learn more about the NAOS show and other events at the Morse Institute Library, visit www.morseinstitute.org. To learn more about Natick Artists Open Studios, visit www.natickartistsopenstudios.org.