Westfield Art Association Exhibit Closing Reception Aug. 31

Thirty one artists. Works no larger than 12 inches on a side. The Westfield Art Association's "Small Art, Big Impact" exhibit wrapped up at the Westfield Memorial Library, 550 E. Broad Street, with a closing reception on August 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.

WAA President Darrin Owens shaped the show with a few deliberate choices. Each artist could submit up to three pieces, but the show selected one per artist. Owens also asked the WAA's treasurer, secretary, vice president, and himself not to submit, so newer members could have spots in the exhibit. The approach opened the door for at least one artist who had not been in a show before.

"One artist in the show told me that this is the first time his art has been accepted in a show," Owens said. "That is why the WAA exists, for people like him."

The exhibit included pieces across a range of mediums and styles. Works on display included "These Boots Are Made For Walking" by Heda Matiejunas, "Sunset on Turkey Point" by William Palm, "Tablet Time" by Dorothy Siclare, and "On the TRADE Winds" by Audrey Yankielun.

The WAA's membership spans charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, multimedia, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts, alongside representational, abstract, photographic, and digital artists. The WAA has operated as a volunteer run 501(c)(3) non profit since 1922.

Its relationship with the Westfield Memorial Library goes back decades — one member, now 104 years old, told Owens he hung art there for the WAA in the 1970s. The association typically runs four to six shows a year, all sponsored by the WAA, and artists can enter for free. The WAA recently created a member gallery where artists can post their bio, artist statement, and digital images of their work.

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Photo Credit: Westfield Art Association

FAQ

Q: What is the "Small Art, Big Impact" exhibit?
A: It is a Westfield Art Association exhibition featuring 31 artists, each with one work on display. All works are no larger than 12 inches on a side.

Q: How many artists were featured?
A: Thirty one artists participated in the exhibit.

Q: How many pieces could each artist submit?
A: Artists could submit up to three pieces, but only one was selected for the exhibit.

Q: What was the purpose of the submission limit?
A: The limit ensured that fewer experienced members, including the WAA president and officers, could be selected, opening spots for newer members and emerging artists.

Q: Did the selection approach work?
A: Yes. At least one artist in the show told the WAA president it was the first time his art had been accepted in an exhibition.

Q: What mediums are represented in the WAA?
A: Members work in charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, multimedia, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts.

Q: What art styles are represented?
A: The WAA includes representational, abstract, photographic, and digital artists.

Q: How long has the WAA existed?
A: The WAA has operated as a volunteer run 501(c)(3) non profit since 1922.

Q: What is the relationship between the WAA and Westfield Memorial Library?
A: The partnership goes back decades. One WAA member who is now 104 years old hung art at the library for the WAA in the 1970s.

Q: How many shows does the WAA run per year?
A: The association typically runs 4 to 6 shows per year, all sponsored by the WAA.

Q: Is there a fee to enter WAA shows?
A: No. Artists can enter WAA shows for free.

Q: Did the WAA recently create anything new?
A: Yes. The WAA recently created a member gallery where artists can post their bio, artist statement, and digital images of their work.