The Owen Smith Shuman Art Gallery presents

The Groton Open: A Survey of Local Creative Energy

The show is divided into two consecutive exhibits:
First Round: November 4, 2026 - February 20, 2027
Second Round: February 23 - June 12

The Groton Open is a celebration of creativity, community, and the remarkable talent that surrounds us every day.

Nan Tolles Quintin, Shelved, watercolor
Nan Tolles Quintin, Shelved

Different from traditional juried exhibitions, the Groton Open welcomes work from artists of all experience levels, from first-time exhibitors to established professionals. This open format allows every participant to share their work, be seen, and contribute to a collective expression of our community.

Visitors will discover a wide range of artistic voices, perspectives, styles, and mediums, each expressing the particular experiences and imagination of its creator. Together, these works present a snapshot of the creativity that thrives here, often quietly, in studios, kitchens, workshops, classrooms, and spare rooms throughout our town. The Groton Open celebrates not only the artwork on these walls, but also the people behind it, proving that a small community can be home to an abundance of artistic talent.

The Groton Open also reminds us that artistic talent is not limited to galleries, museums, or formal training. It exists all around us. In a small community like ours, we are fortunate to be surrounded by an extraordinary depth of creativity. This exhibition provides a space for hidden talents to emerge, new artists to take their first steps into public exhibition, and established artists to continue sharing their vision.

The artists appearing in the first round are Ginny Babin, Rachel Benson, Carol Berardi. Lynne Bover, Dorcas E. Murphy Brulé , Sarah Connell Campbell, Elaine Chamberlain, Ray Ciemny, Lewka Z. Cims, Carol Coutrier, Barbara Dasilva, Diane Davis, Patti Eames, Emjay Fireheart, Jeff Gahan, Elaine M. Giberti, Pamela Gilfillan, Sue Greenough, Shelley Grove, Kelly Jin, Kristina Lengyel, Jocelyn Lopatin, Ashley MacMaster, Zannan Masero, Jill Cosner McCaffrey, Rachael Mead, Dug Morton, Gloria Oppen, Claudia Owens, Elena Powell, Nan Tolles Quintin, Judy Romatelli, Deb Santoro, Jai Luc Santoro, Tanya Sheppard, Marcia Slater, Lori J Sullivan, Ron Wagner, Jonathan Watson, and Erica Willis.

Ken Hansen,
Curator

Generously supported by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.

Exhibition Photo Gallery

  • Erica Willis, Untitled, acrylic; Ray Ciemny, Vascularity, deconstructed steel cable
  • Nan Tolles Quintin, Shelved, watercolor
  • Dug Morton, Mysterious Circumstances, acrylic
  • Jill Cosner McCaffrey, Life Can’t Be Perfect, But Your Accessories Can, fabric
  • Elaine Chamberlain, Untitled, acrylic
  • Ginny Babin, Morrison, pastel

The Owen Smith Shuman Art Gallery exhibits several shows each year, featuring artists from Groton and area communities, in both solo and group shows.

  • 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, [email protected]

    Groton Public Library 99 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450

Adults