New at Old York
The George Marshall Store Gallery: Where history and contemporary art meet
By Mary Harding
Mary Harding, seen here with Curator Tom Johnson, began showing contemporary art in the George Marshall Store in 1994 when the Old York Historical Society library and offices relocated to their present location. Among the variety of changing exhibits this summer will be a show to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the George Marshall Store by displaying 140 paintings by 140 artists. Stay tuned to www.oldyork.org for updates on this and all exhibitions scheduled for 2007.
Courtesy photo
The Marshall family sold the business in 1954. Since then the building had a number of uses before Old York Historical Society renovated it for offices and library space in 1984. In 1994 they moved to their present location in the center of York Village. A year later I introduced the idea of showing contemporary art in the space and proposed an exhibition of paintings by artist Tom Glover, which featured Brave Boat Harbor. Curator Tom Johnson and other staff members enthusiastically embraced the idea.
This first serendipitous exhibit was the beginning of many, which, to date, have included 5,474 works of art by approximately 200 different regional artists. During the past 11 years there have been theme shows, one-person shows and the ever popular "Accord" series in which Tom Johnson and I team up to exhibit a combination of historical furniture and objects with contemporary art.
The most frequent comment from visitors is about the lighting and the textures of the interior. The light bouncing off the river contributes to this special effect and I am convinced the positive energy of the river flowing by makes the George Marshall Store a feel-good place to be. There is a sense of discovery by the first-time visitors, and more often than not, first-time visitors become regulars.
The exhibitions run from late April until early December. During the first quarter of the year the gallery is open by chance or appointment as this is the time of year for studio visits and planning the upcoming season. Studio visits are my favorite part of my job. They are key to the success of the exhibitions and give me insight into the work.
My travels so far this year have taken me to Deerfield, N.H., to visit ceramic artist Al Jaeger who will be exhibiting his work when the gallery opens for the season on April 28. Watch for information on a repeat of Point of View, a behind-the-scenes tour of studios, homes and gardens that is being planned for this summer. Jaeger's studio and beautiful gardens, along with others in the area, will be included in this year's tour. I have made multiple trips to the Portland area to visit Jeff Kellar, Judy LaBrasca and Alice Spencer, all who will be exhibiting in the 2007 season.
Exhibit themes for the 2007 season include a group exhibit to celebrate the George Marshall Store's 140th year and the season will conclude with "Accord VII" but this year with a new twist. Instead of showing furniture and objects from the museum's collection, Tom Johnson will select pieces from area antique businesses. Please plan to visit! For information on the gallery or any of Old York's museum buildings visit www.oldyork.org.
