Rachel Benson: The Fiber Web
June 14 – September 9, 2023
Artist reception: Thursday, July 20, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Rachel Benson is a fiber artist working primarily with needle felting and other media to create whimsical images of nature, both realistic and abstract. Rachel studied Fine Arts and Technical Theater in college and is currently a freelance artist and art teacher. She shares her love of art through teaching, commissions, and selling her work at craft fairs and galleries. She is currently represented by Fruitlands Museum Store, Periwinkle Glassworks and the Hollis Art Space. She has been teaching art classes for the last eight years in her own private business, The Fiber Web along with the following venues: Fivesparks, Hollis Artspace, Good Pickin Farm, and Periwinkle Glassworks, along with workshops at many public libraries and community centers. She is passionate about creating and encouraging students to experiment, play, invent, and focus on the journey of art making rather than the final outcome.
Artist's Statement:
I have always found being in nature to be inspiring, especially in regard to my creative process. I like using what I see and combining it with my own magical viewpoint to create something new and unique. Making art brings me great joy and my hope is to make people smile and feel lighthearted with my creations. I can't see myself truly being happy doing anything else.
To view her art or join a class you can visit her website or socials:
https://www.thefiberweb.com
https://www.instagram.com/thefiberweb
https://www.facebook.com/fiberartbyrachel/
Ken Hansen,
Curator
Generously supported by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.
Exhibition Photo Gallery
The Owen Smith Shuman Art Gallery exhibits several shows each year, featuring artists from Groton and area communities, in both solo and group shows.
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Guidelines for Submitting Artwork / Exhibition Proposals
The Owen Smith Shuman Gallery of the Groton Public Library accepts submissions for art exhibits on a rolling basis. The Curator is responsible for selecting art for exhibits. In general, preference is given to group shows over solo exhibits and to local artists in Groton and surrounding communities
About the Venue
The Owen Smith Shuman Gallery is a beautiful, well-lit gallery that is supported by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust and is an integral part of the local art scene. The Endowment provides for receptions, publicity, and a curator. Artists should carry their own insurance as the gallery does not have insurance for exhibited works.
Requirements:
• Submit 16-20 slides or digital images with the artist’s name and the title of the image on the slide. A CD or USB submission must have the artist name on it as well as a separate document listing the titles, media, and size of each piece.
• A complete proposal should contain: your images, a current resumé, list of images (with titles, media, and size), and an artist’s statement.
• Please submit an appropriately stamped envelope for return of your materials, if desired.
• If you are submitting digital images, you may email all of the above.
• Artists may include a link to their websites, but that does not replace a submission proposal.
• Optional: a small stipend is available for an artist’s talk. If interested, submit a description of your talk and list public speaking experience on your resumé.
• Work submitted must be appropriately framed with eye hooks and wire on the back. Any exceptions to this rule should be submitted to the curator for approval.
Sales of Work
The Gallery requests a 10% donation to the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust for all work sold.
Contact
Ken Hansen, Gallery Curator, artcurator@gpl.org
Groton Public Library 99 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450
