Spring watercolor florals, and photography from Nigeria

Shai Afsai, “Onyeka Ibeh and her baby, Yishai, outside Tikvat Israel Synagogue”

Works by three artists are featured in the May/June show in the gallery at Temple Habonim. Two artists work in watercolors with very individual styles. The third has traveled to Nigeria to photograph the Igbo people.

Nancy Godfray gives life to her watercolors with her expert use of brush and color.  She captures the sunlight on the rose, yet the well-designed setting discloses so much more.  A member of the Providence Art Club where she has had shows, she also works in oils and white line woodblock printing.

Toni Petersen brings forth the essence of a floral arrangement or a landscape.  Her work is not a reproduction, but rather a view of what is beyond the obvious. She captures energy and transmits that to the viewer.  An artist member of the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, she is the winner of many awards.

Shai Afsai traveled to Abuja, Nigeria, three times in 2013 and 2014 to document the Igbo, many of whom consider themselves Jews. He has photographed and written about their adherence to Jewish practices. His talents bring us into their community and acquaint us with their daily life.

On May 21 at 7 p.m., there will be a program in the gallery with Rabbi Barry Dolinger and Naomi Baine who also were in Nigeria

The exhibit is on view from May 3 through June 25, with an artists’ reception May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Gallery at Temple Habonim is at 165 New Meadow Road in Barrington. Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment.  For information, call 401-245-6536 or email gallery@templehabonim.org.