Community members showcase their artistic spirit

Gallery (401) housed at the Dwares JCC will present a local artists exhibition. This show, opening April 17, highlights the diversity and rich talent of our arts community, featuring eight Jewish Rhode Island artists. They range in age from early 30s to late 80s and showcase a variety of media and styles, ranging from watercolor and abstract to photography, Judaica and more. Works are featured from Heather Adels, Shannon Boucher, Eddie Bruckner, Judi Dill, Marcia Kaunfer, Russ Kushner, Jesse Smolover and Lila Wonograd.

Artist Marcia Kaunfer says, “The works that I have chosen to exhibit highlight visual Midrashim (commentaries) in which I have combined Hebrew calligraphy of biblical texts with watercolor illustrations. In the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working on this concept with a small number of local artists in a course that I have been teaching at the Temple Emanu-El Adult Institute.

“This will give my work a wider audience and will put it in the context of other kinds of art. I hope this exposure will make my own work better known and will also encourage others to think visually about the text of the Bible and prayer book.”

Shannon Boucher says she is excited to be a part of this year’s show. “Being the Director of Jewish Programming, I rarely have time to do art on my own. This opportunity inspired me to finish a painting that my mother started but has been sitting unfinished since her death on April 2, 2009.  I am going to show this piece, as well as another by my mother, and one by me, both of parrots in the rain forest.”

An opening reception will be held from 7-9 p.m. Kosher-for-Pesach snacks are anonymously sponsored in honor of one of the artists. Wine will also be served. The exhibit continues through May 29.

Erin Moseley is the Director of Arts & Culture and NextGen Engagement for the Jewish Alliance.