Over the summer, the ArtSpace located in a remote corner of the Bentley Library received a new name and some well deserved attention during a dedication ceremony on May 15. So did Linda Hummel-Shea, for whom the space was renamed. Hummel-Shea started at NECC as a part-time librarian 35 years ago and retired last June as the assistant dean of libraries. Throughout the years, this space had been used for a variety of purposes, including a conference room and a place for hosting large events, but in 2009, after a unanimous vote, it was decided that the space would be recreated as “…a long desired and needed location for the students, faculty and community to display their work.” said Mike Hearn at the dedication ceremony. Hearn is the college’s director of libraries and he emceed the dedication ceremony. “The artspace would not exist as it is today had it not been for the vision and support and tenacity of Linda Hummel-Shea.” said Hearn. Continue reading ArtSpace Dedication→
A retrospective exhibit of the work of NECC professor of art, Lance Hidy, will soon be on display at the Museum of Printing, 800 Massachusetts Ave. North Andover, MA.
The display will open with a slide lecture given by Hidy himself on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and the work will continue to be on display in the museums exhibition rooms through December 27. Viewing hours are Sat. 10-4 or by appointment.
Hidy’s diverse range of work includes etching and wood engraving, silkscreen, photography and photoshop. This talk will highlight his adaptation of the Penumbra typeface, his creation of three U.S. postage stamps and his collaboration with Ansel Adams.
Admission is free but a $5 donation to the museum is welcome.
More information is available at the museum’s website www.museumofprinting.org.
NECC students taking 3D foundations with adjunct art professor Dianne Pappas worked in small groups to create the artwork installations seen around the Haverhill campus.
“This is an advanced concept,” said Pappas. “It’s about creating an experience, or an environment.”
Pappas feels it’s especially useful to the students to start experimenting with these concepts and challenges early in the semester.
For more information, contact Dianne Pappas at dpappas.necc.mass.edu.
An NECC art student displays her work. | NECC Observer
The Haverhill Public Library is currently hosting an art exhibit featuring original graphic novels created by NECC students.
The work was produced during the spring 2014 semester class entitled “Art and Literature of the Graphic Novel,” a learning community course co-taught by professors Ginger Hurajt and Marc Mannheimer.
In this project, students wrote and illustrated short graphic stories, which were then compiled into the first volume of “Tales From the Valley.”
This 44 page book is a collection of 21 of these stories and was produced and published on the Haverhill campus.
“The hardest part was learning to transfer what you’ve written into a picture that still tells the same story,” said Benjamin Pintor.
He has been doodling illustrations for as long as he can remember, though he previously had little experience with writing his own story for which to provide the illustration.
Pintor is currently majoring in general studies with a focus on art and industrial design. He enjoyed the project and plans to pursue a career that allows him to use his artistic talent.
Also featured is Dylan McDougall, an art major who was inspired at a very young age by a brother who was always drawing, as well as by a love for drawing,
McDougall found poetry to be an invaluable outlet when experiencing difficult times throughout his life.
McDougall is currently preparing to launch his own original clothing line called “Smile Just Because,” which will feature designs transferred to t-shirts and hats, for starters.
While he is not clear about exactly what his long term career plans are, he said “my biggest goal is to change the world.”
Currently a liberal arts major, Yosmarlin Infante didn’t realize she could draw until she took a high school art class at the age of 14.
As she improved, she began to look for ways to incorporate her love of drawing and her love of film.
Her favorite part of the class is that she finally learned how drawing can be connected to her career plans.
“As an aspiring film producer, I can use my own storyboards to pitch my own ideas.” she said. Infante plans to transfer to the film program at Fitchburg State College after graduation.
A reception was held on Sept. 11, 5 to 7 p.m. in the library’s Johnson Auditorium, allowing visitors to purchase the book and meet the artists and view the storyboards they created.
Artwork will remain on display along the second floor gallery at the Haverhill Public Library until Sept. 30.
To purchase a book for $5, or for more information, contact Marc Mannheimer at mmannheimer@necc.mass.edu.
