'Wildlands' opening reception at Springfield’s Great Hall Art Space

From stark polar ice-scapes to a beaver pond in Putney, images of some of the world’s most beautiful wild places thrilled viewers at the opening of “Wildlands: A Celebration of Public Lands, National Parks, and Wilderness” at the Great Hall on Oct. 12.

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“Wildlands” opening reception at Springfield’s Great Hall Art Space BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The ShopperOctober 16, 2017 wildlands Polar Images by Jessica Houston of Montreal, Quebec. Photo by Karen Engdahl SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – From stark polar ice-scapes to a beaver pond in Putney, images of some of the world’s most beautiful wild places thrilled viewers at the opening of “Wildlands: A Celebration of Public Lands, National Parks, and Wilderness” at the Great Hall on Oct. 12. “All of the pieces are amazing,” said Pam Kilberg of Springfield. “I can’t really name a favorite – they all draw me in, in different ways.” Kilberg was one among many gallery-goers who were clearly enthusiastic about the landscape images composed in media ranging from traditional oils and charcoal to collage and photo imaging on metal. wildlands Bob Flint of Springfield Regional Development Corp (SRDC) introduces panel. Photo by Karen Engdahl Nina Jamison, curator of the exhibit, introduced a panel including several of the artists represented in the show and National Parks Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services, Stephanie Kyriazis. In her opening remarks, Jamison outlined how the exhibit celebrates public lands and national parks, and the beauty and experiences we enjoy in publicly owned wild spaces. Jamison and the panel spoke about the common themes in all the work: putting a spotlight on preservation and how societies come to value and live in balance with natural resources in a time of climate change, development, and political stresses that threaten our wild places. wildlands Alison Roth and Pam Kilberg at Wildlands opening reception. Photo by Karen Engdahl In addition to viewing the works and listening to the presentation, reception attendees had the opportunity to read artists’ statements about their experiences and intentions. Artists, many of whom are from Vermont, explored their own relationships to wild places ranging from intimate, personal encounters to larger political sentiments. Joan Hoffmann (S. Royalton, Vt.) as artist-in-residence at Yosemite and the 2016 artist-in-residence at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock believes that our free spirit and our federal public lands go hand in hand. Jessica Houston (Montreal, Quebec) shared her adventure on a Russian ship through the North West passage of Alaska; and Pat Musick, (Manchester, Vt.) environmental artist, talked about her artistic goal to express the relationship between mankind and the environment and the tensions we exert upon each other. “I think most of us know intuitively that hiking and walking in the mountains and visiting parklands is calming, rejuvenating, and restorative.” said Jamison in an earlier statement. “‘Wildlands’ hopes to convey not only the beauty and diversity of our wild places, but the spiritual sustenance of these places. John Muir, often referred to as the Father of the National Parks, said, ‘In a changing world we need places to pray in and play in. Certainly this sentiment rings true today.’” wildlands Charcoal landscapes by Rockingham artist Ailyn Hoey. Photo by Karen Engdahl Artists in the show include: Susan Abbott, Marshfield, Vt.; Rich Cofrancesco, Springfield, Vt.; Walter Cudnohufsky, Ashfield, Mass.; Ailyn Hoey, Rockingham, Vt.; Joan Hoffmann, S. Royalton, Vt.; Jessica Houston, Montreal, Quebec; Charlie Hunter, Bellows Falls, Vt.; Pat Musick, Manchester Center, Vt.; Oliver Schemm, Grafton, Vt.; James Urbaska, Newfane, Vt. The show will run in the Great Hall until March 30, 2018.