Continuing an artistic tradition that began at the North Shore Arts Association 90 years ago, Sharon Jordan Bahosh paints daily with as much gusto as those early painters.
"Every nook and cranny on Cape Ann is a picture and I just love to record it," said Bahosh. "An artist records tomorrow's history, and that's what so exciting about it. I feel honored and humbled to be part of such a prestigious society as the membership that came before us. We are continuing the tradition of artists who started this association 90 years ago and even beyond."
Bahosh is one of more than 350 artist members of the North Shore Arts Association that will kick off its 90th anniversary season with three public exhibitions opening this weekend. The first of its five members exhibitions will feature more than 100 pieces of art in a variety of media and styles.
Bahosh, a painter for nearly 40 years, will have one piece in the first members show as well as 44 paintings in her solo show. A small works show will feature more than 20 works by Steven Kennedy.
Suzanne Gilbert, the NSAA gallery director, said the members are excited about the coming season and its many special events, which include an historic exhibition in August and three concerts with Music at Eden's Edge. The association also will host a show of The International Society of Experimental Artists.
"Throughout our season, we will focus on the art and history of North Shore but we will also focus on the experimental art that pushes the boundary," said Gilbert.
In addition to the Member Exhibitions and six solo and small works shows, the arts association will feature lectures, an art auction, demonstrations and workshops throughout the season that runs from May to October.
The first solo show featuring the work Bahosh will include renditions of New England Americana, colonial Main Streets and back roads, sunsets and waterfront vistas, and New England's ever-changing landscape.
"I am absolutely enamored with boats. I gravitate to things that are complicated and I don't consider the time I'm investing in it," said Bahosh who on many occasions has driven back to Gloucester from her current home in Gardner — an hour and a half away — just to finish a painting.
This award-winning artist has won 10 major awards and 45 regional ones. She lived on Martha's Vineyard for 8 years.
"My dream would be to live on Cape Ann, and if I did, it would take more than a lifetime to do all the paintings I could envision up there. We never will have enough time in our lives to paint all we want to."
Bahosh studied at The Art Institute of Boston, and continued her studies with Daniel Greene in Salem, New York and Charlotte Wharton at the Worcester Art Museum School. She also studied at the Saint Michael's Institute of Sacred Art.
The small works show features plein air painter Steven Kennedy. He calls his style "painterly realism" because he paints in a loose yet representational style. Maritime and architectural themes figure prominently in his work, and he's especially interested in the play of light and shadow upon his subjects. He has won various awards in the New England-New York area. He has taught painting in Provincetown for many years and will teach a workshop at the NSAA next month titled "An Eye to Architecture, Painting on the Streets of Gloucester."
Gail McCarthy can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3451, or at sbergman@gloucestertimes.com.
If you go
What: The North Shore Arts Association kicks off 90th anniversary season with a solo show by Sharon Jordan Bahosh and a small works show by Steven Kennedy.
Where: 11 Pirates Lane, East Gloucester.0
When: Members' awards reception on Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. in the main gallery with the award ceremony at 3 p.m. The "Meet the Artist" reception for Sharon Jordan Bahosh in the Gordon Grant Room on Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Details: For more information, call 978-283-1857 or visit www.nsarts.org.
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