SO Good

SO Good Has Moved!

2010-01-29T12:33:00.002-05:00

You can now find the SO Good blog at sogoodonline.wordpress.com.

Visit today and return often!

SO Good Submission Deadline FEB. 1

2010-01-21T09:27:00.002-05:00

If you've been waiting to submit to SO Good Volume III, wait no longer. The deadline is Monday, February 1, 2010. Full submission guidelines can be found below, or on our Facebook page. Basically, if you were a Chester College of New England student during 2009, you are eligible.

Send your best work from 2009 (Spring, Summer & Fall semesters) to so.good@chestercollege.edu BEFORE the end of the day Monday, February 1. If you are a visual artist, and have a file larger than 100 KB, please use SendSpace or YouSendIt.

Faculty Favorite nominations also are due on Monday, February 1. All faculty members are encouraged to nominate student work from 2009. When you are make a nomination, please inform the student so we do not receive duplicate pieces and so they can send the piece to us.

Good luck to everyone!

So Good now accepting submissions

2009-12-11T10:07:00.003-05:00

So Good is now accepting submissions for the So Good volume 3. We accept all forms of art (writing, photography, drawings, paintings etc.). For questions and/or concerns please email us at so.good@chestercollege.edu

INFO WE NEED FROM EVERYONE

Your Name
Your Major
Your Class Year
Title(s) of the work(s)

WRITERS

Please limit yourself to one (1) submission per genre. You are allowed up to 8,000 words of prose and up to five poems. Email your submission as .doc or .rtf files to so.good@chestercollege.edu. Please put your name and the type of submission in the subject line. For example: Jenn Monroe SO Good Poetry Submission or watch for our editors in the cafe at lunch on Fridays.

VISUAL ARTISTS

Please limit yourself to one (1) submission per medium. You are allowed up to five pieces per medium. Email is NOT the best way to submit images of your work to us. Please put high resolution images (300 dpi or higher, JPG only please) on a CD or thumb drive (labeled with your name and mailbox number if you want it back) and get it to Prof. Jenn Monroe, Dept. of Writing & Literature via campus mail. Please let us know that it is a SO Good submission. You also can watch for our editors in the cafe at lunch on Fridays.

Attention All Artists

2009-12-11T10:01:00.002-05:00

Compass Rose is looking for artwork to become the cover of Compass Rose volume 10. We accept photographs, drawings, paintings etc. Please send jpegs or links to compass.rose@chestercollege.edu or leave a cd in Jenn Monroe's campus mailbox.

Christina Pitsch to be Artist- in -Residence

2009-12-11T09:57:00.001-05:00

Chester College of New England Professor of fine arts Christina Pitsch will be spending 5 weeks during winter break as an artist-in-residence at the Guanlan Original Printmaking Base in Guanlan, China. She will be working on a new series of large scale prints.

Student Art Sale

2009-12-04T11:12:00.000-05:00

Primary Studios Gallery Show

2009-12-04T10:44:00.001-05:00

Between December 3, 2009 and December 15, 2009 Chester College of New England's Primary Studios Students will be showing their work in the Wadleigh Library Gallery. The gallery will be free and open to the public.

"The Berlin Dictionary" is now available

2009-12-04T10:34:00.001-05:00

Can you press that, er um, piton? Let me get that mousse off of your sweater. If you know what the words piton and mousse mean and if you have no idea what the words piton and mousse mean, the Berlin Dictionary is for you.

The Berlin Dictionary edited and illustrated by Chester College of New England's Photography and Media Arts instructor Rachelle Beaudoin is now available.

The Berlin Dictionary is a participatory dictionary written by over seventy contributors who submitted their favorite and most memorable “Berlin Words.” With definitions ranging from the Arena to the Yoko and everything in between, The Berlin Dictionary is a must-have for current and former Berlin residents. Featuring over thirty illustrations.

According to Beaudoin, “Considering the changes and challenges facing the city in recent years, the dictionary seemed like a fun way for citizens to take pride in or poke fun at aspects of the community while recognizing and enjoying its uniqueness.” The book is part historical document, part reference and part humor.

With contributions from:

Ken Adair, Justin Aube, Jerry and Jill Aube, Lucille Barr, Beatrice Beaudoin, Claude Beaudoin, Frank Bellefeuille, Dave Bergeron, Rene Bergeron, Rachel Berube, Dan and Darlene Blais, David Blais, Muriel Blais, Susan Boucher, Tim Brannen, Rita Breton, Dan Campagna, Cecile Chabot Wester, Janie Chartrand, Lousie Connelly, Roberta Conway, Eric Cote, Jesse Croteau and Keith Blanchette, Romeo Danais, Clark Danderson, Lisa Dodge, Sister Theresa Dube, Michael Dumont, Jim Duncan, Bill Dyer, Don Fournier, Dr. Barry Gendron, Jeanne Ivory, Shirley Jackson, Rebecca L’Heureux, Louise Lachance, Carla LaPierre, Lucille Lavoie, Tracy Lefebvre, Dan Mackin, Shawn Marquis, Chris Martel, Jasmine Montminy, Rachel Montminy, Theresa Morgan Perry, Roberta Morin Migetz, Lorraine Morin Pasciak, Benita Morin St. Pierre, Sister Cecile Morrisette, Jackie Nadeau, Rev. Gerald Oleson, Linda Paquet, Melanie Payeur, Dick Poulin, Linda Poulin, Dave Ramsey, Kris Richards, Jennie Roberge, Larry Roberge, Susan Roberge, Kelly Ross, Ben Roy, Darlene Roy, Guy Sanchargin, George Stanley, Celia Nicotra Sullivan, Jan Szumierz, Lisa Thompson, Angela Vaillancourt and Becky Roberge, Carolyn Vasquez, Claire Villeneuve Rennison and Amy Welch.

Rachelle Beaudoin is an interdisciplinary artist and professor of art at Chester College of New England and Saint Anselm College. She was born and raised in Berlin NH and is currently living in Peterborough NH. She is interested in video, performance and socially engaged art. This is her first book.

The Berlin Dictionary is available at the Wonderland Bookstore, 10 Exchange Street in Gorham NH, Savoir Flare at 52 Main Street in Berlin NH, at the Berlin Historical Society Moffet House, 119 High St, Berlin NH and online at Lulu.com. It will be available on Amazon.com in 6-8 weeks. The ISBN is 978-0-557-19739-2.

The book is available via the link:

http://www.lulu.com/content/7915941

A book signing will be held on December 19th from 11am-2pm at the Wonderland Bookstore, 10 Exchange Street, Gorham NH.

Eric Pinder Interviews and Book Signing

2009-12-04T10:27:00.001-05:00

Chester College of New England's instructor of writing and literature Eric Pinder will be interviewed on Book Swap Café, for Concord TV Channel 22, in a program to be recorded on December 15. He also will be interviewed live on the Arkansas-based internet radio program WeatherBrains on March 29 at 8:30 pm Central Daylight Time (9:30 Eastern).

Eric will discuss his children’s book Cat in the Clouds, his most recent book, Life at the Top, and his experiences working and living as a weather observer on top of Mount Washington. Book Swap Café, now in its fifth season, has been described as “Concord’s literary Siskel and Roeper.” An article about the program recently appeared in The Concord Insider.

On December 19, Eric will sign books at Fox Tale Books in Alton, New Hampshire, from 11-1 pm. That same afternoon at 4 pm, he will present a lecture about Mount Washington's wild weather at the Conway Library.

Eric Crapo Published

2009-12-04T10:23:00.001-05:00

Chester College of New England's Library Director and instructor of writing and literature Eric Crapo will have his poem "At the Swimming Hole" published in the fall issue of Organs of Vision and Speech Magazine. The poem will also be anthologized next summer. This poem is an ekphrasis on Thomas Eakins' painting "The Swimming Hole."

Cathe Janke to Exhibit in NYC

2009-12-04T10:18:00.001-05:00

Chester College of New England's instructor of interdisciplinary & fine arts Cathe Janke will have work in the Generations 7 Holiday Benefit Exhibition, at A.I.R. Gallery in New York City. The Exhibit will run December 2nd, 2009 through January 3rd, 2010. There will be a receception on Thursday, December 3rd from 6 8 pm and a Holiday Party & Action viewing on Friday, December 4th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Stop by and see some exciting art at affordable prices! 40% of sales support the A.I.R. Fellowship Program for Emerging and Undererepresented Artists and other A.I.R. exhibitions and programs that serve our mission to advance the status of women in the arts. Works purchased for holiday gifts may be picked up from December 19 to 23rd, from 11 am to 6 pm.

Making Things Happen: An Interview with Lana Z. Caplan

2009-11-30T17:42:00.004-05:00

Lana Z. Caplan, a Boston-based film/videomaker, photographer and installation artist, visited Chester College of New England this week as part of the Visiting Artist's Symposium Lecture Series. Caplan works with super8, found footage, video, interactive projections, and alterative processes photography in her pieces, which explore relationships, mortality and social issues.

Caplan grew up in a world of photography. When given her first Polaroid at the age of four, it was just a natural progression for a family that took regular snapshots. Although she never considered a career in art growing up, she attended numerous workshops and camps. It wasn’t until her undergraduate work in art history that she learned anyone can be an artist, if you work hard and make art.

When preparing for a new piece, Caplan said she starts with a concept and focuses on finding what the best ways to communicate that, be it through sketches or details within the environment or what works best with the site. Through her heavy use of Polaroids she can see what’s happening, and make decisions as she goes. Armed with research, her camera, and a willingness to experiment, she starts with an idea and keeps kicking it around until figuring out how to approach it.

Caplan’s varied portfolio includes pieces that are experienced, not just viewed. From her videos Love in the Afternoon, and The Waltz to her series on Sites of Public Execution, Caplan’s pieces cover a wide range of compositional interest. "I hope that my audience will give [the work] the time to try to understand, and to see the multiple layers and pieces that make it, as well as the collective meaning of the pieces put in the installation," she said.

Between exhibiting, studio time, researching and more, Caplan still finds time to visit many colleges as a traveling artist/lecturer. She said her biggest piece of advice is to work hard. "Nothing comes easy, so keep working at it," she said. "Take a good look at what came before you and the context of what you are doing, what you might be referencing and what others might be seeing when they view your work."

Caplan encourages young artists to look for inspiration everywhere. She has found it in the work of Pipilotti Rist and Andy Warhols' films. "We can all be inspired by something," she said. "Look at other artists and see what works or what doesn’t work for you and what you can take away from it to incorporate into your own work."

Even with inspiration, Caplan joked that a typical day in the studio consists of "cappuccino and email." On a more serious note, she did have one suggestion to beat procrastination. "On those days you are not in the studio, keep a running list of the things to do next time in the studio and options for those times you just don’t feel like 'it,'" she said.

When work is ready to be shown, Caplan suggested thinking broadly about exhibiting. "Create your own opportunities," she said. "Collaborate with other types artists and make your own events. Hire bands, invite friends, create your own scenes, work out the kinks. Don’t rely on the existing infrastructure --be prepared to show the establishment. By bringing people together things happen."

~Rhiannon Lombard

"Fantasticum" Features Chester College Student Work

2009-11-29T17:37:00.002-05:00

"Fantasticum," a group show of Chester College of New England students, is on display now in the Whitherill Gallery at The Coffee Factory in Derry, NH. Works by Jamie Vitas, Maggie Alerding, Timothy Lee, Rachel Deccico, Tahlia Groupil, Peter Isherwood and Fairlee Anderson,--all students in the fine arts professional practices class and the gallery practicum--are part of the show.

Megan McNaught, assistant professor of interdisciplinary and fine arts at Chester College, said the exhibit is "the culmination of an excellent semester and hard work by all involved." It features a range of media from encaustic paintings to printmaking and was planned, managed and installed by the students involved. "It is a fine example of the work produced by students at Chester College of New England."

Unconventional Inspiration: An Interview with George Saunders

2009-11-25T09:48:00.006-05:00

On Tuesday, November 16, nationally acclaimed author George Saunders visited Chester College of New England as part of the Visiting Writers Series. Saunders, who has been hailed by The New Yorker as one of the best writers under forty and as one of the top 100 most creative people in entertainment by Entertainment Weekly, gave a question and answer period for students during the day and a reading, that was open to the public, the same evening.

In a time when many writers lament that the art of the short story has passed by, Saunders has published three collections of short stories and two novellas. His stories and essays also are routinely published in magazines such as The New Yorker, GQ, and Harpers. "Do I think short stories are dead? No," he said. "I think people get this idea from bad agents. A bad agent will ask you if you have a novel finished. A good agent wants to know what you write. I've been lucky. One of the things we don't tell young writers, that we should, is that you can't pick what kind of writer you are."

Saunders said he spent his youth reading "less than literary" books and does not count other writers among his top inspirations. When just beginning his career as a writer he studied albums, in particular how musicians ordered the songs on an album, to learn how to put together books of short stories. Other influences? Comedians of course. Saunders said he counts Steve Martin and Monty Python as strong influences on his writing.

Saunders is known for his genre-defying short stories and has a writing process that is in many ways as unconventional as his work. Often spending as many as seven years writing and revising a story, he said that by the end of the process he has only kept about 40 percent of the words he started off with. "Many young writers write a story, revise it, and three weeks later feel it's finished," he said. "I write magazine stories. I need to let a story sit long enough so that when I come back to revise it I'm looking at it just like the reader who flips through a magazine and comes across it for the first time."

Each fall Saunders teaches an advanced fiction writing class in the MFA program at Syracuse University, but workshops are definitely not part of his own revision process. He explained that workshops are good tools for students but not for the seasoned writer. "The problem with workshops is that you get, say, five suggestions. Four of them, you feel, have nothing to do with your story. The fifth one does maybe, but only if it is something you were already thinking of yourself.

"Ultimately you send a story out with your name on it," he continued. "It should be your work. Then if it succeeds you deserve all the credit for it. And if it fails you don't have the feeling that you've been misled."

~Renee Mallett

Chester College Student published in Collective Fallout

2009-11-20T11:28:00.005-05:00

Chester College Student Kelsey McCarthy's short story "Coyote Smile" has been selected as a finalist for Collective Fallout's Delfino Prize for Queer Genre Fiction. Her story will be published in the January 2010 issue of the magazine.

Chester College of New England's 2nd Annual Blood Drive

2009-11-20T10:51:00.002-05:00

Chester College of New England will be holding their 2nd Annual Blood Drive on Thursday December 3. It will be held between 1 and 6 pm in the Chester Town Multi-Purpose Room. It is free and open to the public.

First 10 students to sign up with Stephanie Ramirez and donate blood will receive a special thank-you prize. All donors affiliated with Chester College will be entered in a raffle for a gift card to Applebee's. All donors will also be entered in a raffle to win a pair of lift tickets to Loon Mt.

Student Art Sale

2009-11-20T10:44:00.002-05:00

On Friday, December 4 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Chester College of New England Students will be displaying and selling art in the Wadleigh Library Gallery. Admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

They are still looking for interested students to sell work. If you are interested please contact Kara Schulse kschulze@chestercollege.edu, or sign up at the circulation desk.

Primary Studios Show

2009-11-20T10:33:00.001-05:00

An Unfiltered Experience : An Interview with Asley John Pigford

2009-11-20T10:28:00.003-05:00

Artist and musician Ashley John Pigford visited Chester College of New England this week as part of the Visiting Artist Symposium Lecture Series. So Good staffer Jen Bailey had a chance to speak to him about his work.

Jen Bailey: How did you come into this unusual sort of work?

Ashley John Pigford: I am a designer by practice and an artist by product. I have a lot of experience in graphic design, and making money for other people. A while ago I decided to stop doing this and apply my creative process to something I cared about. So, in addition to teaching I explore my personal fascination with electronics, programming, and interaction design.

JB: Why do you choose to work with old electronics?

AJP: Because they are cheap and ubiquitous. Plus, they embody a message of reuse and rethinking everyday experiences. They are instantly engaging because people know them--they already have a relationship. This provides an entryway into the work.

JB: About how long does it take to complete a piece?

AJP: Hard to say, sometimes a year, sometimes 30 minutes. All pieces are projects that continue to evolve in materials and my own knowledge of the technology.

JB: Why do you believe interactivity is so important in art?

AJP: Because engagement is what we all seek. Multi-sensory experiences are how we perceive reality and work that provides this is engaging in ways that are greater than the sum of its sensory parts.

JB: What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?

AJP: Being a father.

JB: What artists do you admire?

AJP: Tim Hawkinson, Conrad Shawcross, Troika, Greyworld; these come to mind right now.

JB: How has being a professor influenced your work?

AJP: It's more like my work influences my teaching, however teaching and creative process are deeply intertwined as an intrinsic human activity.

JB: How has music influenced your work?

AJP: Heavily. My process of making art is very equivalent to making music. Both involve phenomenon, composition, tone, and non-visual experiences. Music is an unfiltered experience, it sinks deep fast.

JB: What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

AJP: Use your work to discover something you are fascinated with, then use the work to share this with other people.

Lana Z. Caplan visits Chester College of New England

2009-11-20T10:02:00.002-05:00

Lana Z. Caplan will be Chester College of New England's final visiting artist in the fall semester's Visiting Artist Symposium. Lana's lecture will be held on December 1st at 2:30 pm in the Wadleigh Library Conference Room. The lecture will be free and open to the public.

Lana Z. Caplan is a Boston-based film/videomaker, photographer and installation artist. She works with super8, found footage, video, interactive projections, and alterative processes photography in her pieces that explore relationships, mortality and social issues.

Recent screenings and exhibitions include: MadCat Women’s International Film Festival (San Francisco, CA); "FICCO"(Festival Internacional de Cine Contemporáneo), Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo, (Mexico City); Festival Cap Sembrat 3, (Barcelona, Spain); Danforth Museum of Art, (MA); National Gallery of Art, (San Juan, Puerto Rico); Gallery NAGA, (Boston, MA); John Stevenson Gallery, (NY, NY); Photographic Resource Center, (Boston, MA); William Benton Museum of Art, (Storrs, CT).

Recent grants and awards include: Puffin Foundation, Individual Artist Grant; Wexner Center for the Arts, Residency Support; Massachusetts Cultural Council, Professional Development Grant; Vermont Studio Center, Artist-in-Residence, Artist Grant; Contemporary Artist Center, North Adams, MA; Polaroid Corporation, Materials Grant. She earned a B.A. from Boston University and an M.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Art. Caplan also teaches at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, MA.

Chester College Students nominated for Acting Award

2009-11-13T12:38:00.001-05:00

Cynthia Hollis and Rebecca MacDonald have been nominated for the Irene Ryan Excellence in College Acting award through the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Rockie Hunter was named as an alternate. Cynthia and Rebecca have been invited to compete for the award at the upcoming regional festival, taking place January 26-31 at UNH in Durham, where theater students from Maine to New York will come together to compete, network, perform, and take workshops with industry professionals. In the event that either Cynthia or Rebecca cannot attend, Rockie would go in their place. The nominations were made by Jim Murphy, the region one co-chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Mr. Murphy also chose to recognize the work of Matthew Williams, whose work on Chester's production of "Night of the Living Dead" is being entered into the dramaturgy (theatrical scholarship) category at the festival.

Final Week of Senior Shows

2009-11-13T12:22:00.003-05:00

Between November 15 and November 23, the final four of Chester College of New England’s graduating seniors will be show their work from the past two semesters. The opening reception will be held at 7 p.m., November 18, 2009 in the Wadleigh Library Gallery. The show is free and open to the public.

The event will feature gallery a combination of fantasy, erotica, role playing, video documentaries, TV show and other forms of propaganda from the 1940s, and life before, during and after World War I.

The visual artists are Kelsey McCarthy with “Children of Asgard,” Amanda Kovs with “A Surreal Twilight,” Brittany Barnes with “Silent Majority” and Brittany Tumelaire with “Perception.”. As part of the opening three senior writers will read portions of their work. Rachel Lieberman will read from her work of fiction “Coming and Going,” Lisa Pike will read poems from her collection “Stripped” and Kelsey McCarthy will read from her fiction piece “Children of Asgard.”

George Saunders visits Chester College

2009-11-13T11:19:00.001-05:00

Nationally acclaimed author George Saunders will visit Chester College on Monday November 16, as part of the Visiting Writers Series. He will participate in a question and answer session for students from 1-2:30 p.m. and will give a reading from 6-8 p.m, that the public is invited to attend. Both events will be held in Room 29 of the Powers Building.

Saunders, a creative writing professor at Syracuse University, has work appearing regularly in The New Yorker, GQ, and Harpers Magazine. His work has also appeared in the anthologies Best American Short Story, Best Non-Required Reading, and Best American Travel Writing. Saunders also is the author of two non-fiction books and five books of fiction.

Saunders has been a recipient of the National Magazine Award four times and has won second prize in the O. Henry Awards. CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, his first collection of short stories, was a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award. In 2006 Saunders Received a MacArthur Fellowship.

Ashley John Pigford comes to Chester College

2009-11-13T10:49:00.002-05:00

Ashley John Pigford will be coming to Chester College of New England on Tuesday November 17, 2009. She will be giving a lecture at 2:30 pm in the Wadleigh Library Conference Room. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Ashley John Pigford is an artist, designer, musician and educator who works across a wide range of art and design media including video, sound, installation, performance, sculpture, micro-electronics and letterpress. His current employment as Assistant Professor of Visual Communications in the Department of Art at the University of Delaware is paired with an active art/design studio practice. Ashley received his MFA in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2006 after a successful career as a proprietor of graphic design in Los Angeles, CA.

Eric Pinder Published

2009-11-13T10:41:00.000-05:00

Chester College of New England’s instructor of writing and literature Eric Pinder’s essay “Snow Days” will appear in the January/February 2010 issue of New Hampshire Home magazine. The essay describes the joys and perils of living in a cold climate.

Eric Crapo Published

2009-11-13T10:40:00.001-05:00

“Snippets from Acadia National Park,” a poem by Chester College of New England’s Library Director and instructor of writing and literature Eric Crapo, will appear in the first issue of Moonshot magazine.

Byron Petrakis Published

2009-11-13T10:38:00.001-05:00

“The Arrows of Apollo,” a short story by Chester College of New England’s Dean of Students and professor of writing and literature Byron Petrakis, is scheduled to appear in Issue 360 (November 9) of “Bewildering Stories,” an on-line publication of speculative writing in all genres.

Rachelle Beaudoin featured on ArtFem.tv

2009-11-13T10:34:00.000-05:00

Chester College of New England's instructor of photography and media arts Rachelle Beaudoin has recently seen some of her video work featured on ArtFem.tv.

ArtFem.TV is online television programming presenting Art and Feminism. The aim of ArtFem.TV is to foster women in the arts, their art works and projects, to create an online international television screen for the creativity, images and voices of women. ArtFem.TV is a non-profit, artist run ITV and media portal about Art and Feminism. Artists featured on the site include: Pipilotti Rist, Martha Rosler, Marina Abramovic, and Valie Export.

Second Week of Senior Shows in Wadleigh Gallery

2009-11-09T07:25:00.005-05:00

Work by Chester College of New England Zach Huntress, Emily McCoomb, Emma Haskins and Alexa Patrick is featured in the Wadleigh Gallery this week. An opening reception for the shows will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 11.

Huntress’s show is a collection of photographs called “Mental Scars and Boxcars,” McCoomb’s a collection of drawings, Haskins’s a collection of drawings, paintings, and collages called “Ancestors” and Patrick’s a collection of oil paintings called “Snapshots.”

“Mental Scars and Boxcars” is Huntress’s interpretation of the History of Railroads and Hobo culture, two things he said he is passionate about learning. Haskins’s work is based on antique photographs that belonged to her mother--her attempt to make past relatives and friends remembered in a new light. Patrick said her work captures the emotion and stories of certain events with each piece representing a different family memory.

The shows continue through Saturday, November 14.

Illustrator Fred Lynch Bends the Rules

2009-11-07T01:48:00.004-05:00

For more than twenty years, Fred Lynch has been an educator freelance illustrator, creating magazine covers, book jackets and website designs with his distinctive and humorous style, blending realism with imagination. But hearing him describe what he does, you wouldn't think it was work. Lynch recently spoke about his work and experience in the field at Chester College of New England.

According to Lynch, the illustrator's job isn't to simply draw but rather to communicate an idea. This has two requirements: creating an image that represents the idea and making it coherent and understandable. It's not enough to meet the goal of the commissioned image; if the audience doesn't understand the message, the illustration doesn't serve a purpose. In this sense it would seem that these commissioned pieces are impersonal to the artist, and in some cases he would agree. However, a keen-eye can detect a clue of Lynch's own charm and humor, whether that be a stray floating nose in a bed of flowers or the oddly-curled toes of a fallen elf. He cites the old adage that you have to love your work, even if it isn't necessarily yours. Though layout guidelines and strict time constraints may limit what can be done, Lynch says that if you love what you do, you'll be driven to find ways around it.

Lynch's commercial work and personal work are often at ends with one another. He openly admits that he bends rules of perspective and realism in his illustrations but when observing his Coffee Cup series of paintings it becomes obvious that, not only are these paintings are overtly abstract, but that abstraction is the point. Coffee Cup presents a passion for reinventing, changing the mundane by twisting and pulling at the physical constraints, sometimes to the point where any resemblance is gone. Lynch cites imagination as a driving force behind illustration, in both the need to express it and capture it in the viewer.

~Ben Dennison

“De-concealing:” An Interview with Barbara Bernstein

2009-11-06T11:19:00.001-05:00

Drawing and installation artist, Barbara Bernstein will visit Chester College of New England Tuesday, November 10 as part of the visiting artist symposium. She will lecture in the Wadleigh Library Conference Room from 2:30-4 p.m. Bernstein has studied at the Rhode Island School of Design Bachelor’s in the Arts program, The University of New Mexico MA and MFA programs and at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. She is the artist-in-residence at the Virginia center for creative arts. Recently, her installation show, Things are not what they seem, nor are they otherwise, exhibited at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA.
SO Good staff member Eric Notaro, had the opportunity to speak with her about her artistic process.

Eric Notaro: Utilizing both traditional and nontraditional techniques and influences, how do you decide when a piece needs more of a traditional touch versus one that is more experimental?
Barbara Bernstein: Ideally, it’s the work that decides, not me. My job is to get out of the way, listen to the work and respond.

EN: Line, shape and perspective are elements you cite as being both “sustained and challenged by.” What is it about these elements that interest you?
BB: These principals are basic, traditional tenants of western art. As such I was steeped in them in my visual art studies. However, Mark Twain said, “Don’t let your education get in the way of your learning.” I like that sentiment.

EN: You note illusion, suspension of disbelief and other obscuring qualities as a major inspiration. What is it that draws you to the unknown and mysterious as a theme in your work?
BB: The German philosopher [Martin] Heidegger addresses issues of revealing and what he calls “de-concealing.” I like the duality and interdependency of that— like a teacup and the inside of the teacup.

EN: Among your influences, you note “Science, philosophy and religion via contemporary aesthetic perception […]” Are these influences based on simply the idea of empirical discovery or are there specific philosophies, scientific findings and viewpoints you have in mind?
BB: Western and Eastern philosophies, poets and religions have interested me since high school. I have collaborated with philosophers in writing about art and have collaborated in teaching with philosophers as well. I also collaborated with a computer musician for a few projects and hope to continue that in the future if we can get funding.

EN: Having traveled and exhibited throughout the country and abroad, what advice could you offer artists trying to establish themselves?
BB: I am certainly no authority— I don’t even have a website yet! I can only speak from my own experience. I consistently tell my students and friends and colleagues, focus on the work.

An Animated Evening

2009-11-06T11:10:00.003-05:00

If you fancy a laugh on Friday, November 13, then stop by Powers 29, the fireplace room, at 7 p.m. as Ben Dennison, Joseph Arentz, and a cast of students will perform a live script reading of their animated cartoon, Strays. Freshman Steve Wicks will open the evening.

First Senior Show Opening Tonight

2009-11-04T07:30:00.007-05:00

For the past eight to nine months, Chester College of New England seniors Ashley Hin and Dustin Potter have been thinking of ideas, concepts, and creating images for their huge gallery show right before they graduate this semester. Their hard work will be presented free to the public in Wadleigh Library Galley at an opening reception tonight at 7 p.m. Hin a graphic design major, has titled her show “Fresh & Blue: a study on renewable energy” while Potter, a photography major, has titled his show “In Reverentia.” Two other seniors, Gayle Lee and Tyler Moran, also are showing work this week.

Hin’s goal for her show was to educate her audience. To achieve this, Hin created small handouts and brochures in hopes that her viewers would be able to interact with her work. She also created large postcards showing renewable energy sources across New England.

Potter’s goal for “In Reverentia” was to give the audience the feeling of misplaced pride. “The series attempts to expose the misplaced pride of the human species in relation to their surroundings by inverting the scale of viewer and environment,” he said. “Each image takes common natural features of an environment (trees, rocks, grass, moss, etc) and transforms them into vast parts of a micro-landscape. The project acts as a marriage of art and science, promoting a wider understanding of the natural world through the photographic medium.”

Both of these artists were inspired by technology and science. According to Hin, her project idea came from her experiences three years ago at a local renewable energy company. The work of Carl Sagan and Richard Dawkins helped Potter with his conceptual groundwork, while photographers Michael McCarthy and Edward Burtynsky influenced his style.

The shows will continue through Saturday, November 7.

~Heather Doherty

Dr. O'Brien Takes Student Idea to Conference

2009-11-02T17:56:00.002-05:00

Monica O'Brien, chair of Chester College's Department of Writing and Literature, is chairing a Film Studies panel at the Mid-Atlantic Popular/American Culture Association Annual Conference in Boston this weekend. She also is presenting a paper entitled, “Outside of here is death”: the functioning of hermetic fantasies in Beckett’s Endgame and Lynch’s Eraserhead.” This paper is inspired by Ben Dennison, a Chester College student, who came up with the idea of comparing Beckett's play to Lynch's film, in O'Brien's Fragments of Rationality: Modern and Postmodern Literature and Theory course last spring.

Chester College Student Featured in Ghost Story Video

2009-11-01T14:27:00.000-05:00

Chester College of New England student Renee Mallett is featured in this video from FearNet.com. Please note, content may not be appropriate for young viewers. To watch the video click here: Streets of Fear - Widow Susan Road

Jenn Monroe Published

2009-10-30T12:10:00.000-04:00

“Ceasefire” and “Chocolate Sampler,” two poems by Chester College professor of writing and literature Jenn Monroe, will appear in the fall issue of Off the Coast magazine. The food-themed issue will be available in November. A third poem, “For a Moment,” will appear in the inaugural issue of Organs of Vision and Speech Magazine in December, and be included in a special printed issue of OVS slated for Summer 2010.

Fred Lynch Comes to Chester College

2009-10-30T12:04:00.002-04:00

Illustrator Fred Lynch will be visiting Chester College on November 3rd as part of the Visiting Artist Symposium, giving a lecture in the Wadleigh Confrence Room from 2:30 to 4:00.

Having grown up in Cumberland, Rhode Island, Lynch graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1986. Since that time he has been creating illustrations for numerous clients and earned recognition from The Society of Illustrators, American Illustration Magazine, Communication Arts Magazine and Print Magazine. His work looks to combine the ordinary with the extraordinary, sketching from imagination and painting from reality.

Senior Shows Start Sunday

2009-10-30T11:16:00.001-04:00

Starting this Sunday November 1 Chester College graduating Seniors will be showing their Senior Shows. Each of the students presenting have been working on these projects since January of this year. Their Gallery reception starts on Wednesday November 4th at 7 pm in the Wadleigh Library. The students who are presenting their work are Ashley Hin with “Fresh & Blue: a study of renewable energy”, Dustin Potter with “In Reverentia”, Gayle Lee and Tyler Moran with “Sideshow”.

Rachelle Beaudoin Featured in GirlDrive

2009-10-30T11:14:00.000-04:00

Chester College media arts instructor Rachelle Beaudoin is featured in the book GirlDrive by Nona Willis Aronowitz and Emma Bee Bernstein. It is out in stores and available online now.

What do young women care about? What are their hopes, worries, and ambitions? Have they heard of feminism, and do they relate to it?

These are just a few of the questions journalist Nona Willis Aronowitz and photographer Emma Bee Bernstein set out to answer in Girldrive. In October 2007, Aronowitz and Bernstein took a cross-country road trip to meet with the 127 women profiled in this book, ranging from well-known feminists like Kathleen Hanna, Laura Kipnis, Erica Jong, and Michele Wallace, to women who don’t relate to feminism at all. The result of these interviews, Girldrive is a regional chronicle of the struggles, concerns, successes, and insights of young women who are grappling—just as hard as their mothers and grandmothers did—to find, define, and fight for gender equity.

Co-author Nona Willis Aronowitz was interviewed by ELLE about the book. Aronowitz will also be on NHPR’s Word of Mouth Wednesday (10/28) at noon. Beaudoin will join her to share her own experience participating with the project.

Chester Faculty Gallery Opening

2009-10-30T10:37:00.003-04:00

Chester College faculty members Megan McNaught and Christina Pitsch will be showing their work at Fort Point Art Community starting November 6th, with the opening reception taking place on November 13th at 5:30. This event is free and open to the public.

The show, Patterned Tactic(s), brings together the work of Megan McNaught, abstract painter, and Christina Pitsch, sculptor. Both artists are linked by their use of pattern and repetition both in the process of making and in the finished imagery of the work. The show consists of free hanging life size clear deer sculptures surrounded by large-scale geometric net drawings. Both bodies of work are striking in their combination of inherent complexity with results that are quiet and deceivingly minimal in nature.

Pitsch’s technique of ‘mapping’ objects through the use of sewing patterns allows for the recreation of multiples in alternate materials and scales. The process of fabricating the sculptures begins with the actual drafting of sewing patterns from life size deer models. Through this process of breaking an object down and translating from 3 dimensional form to 2 dimensional parts there is a relationship that begins between object and artist. It is not only the method by which they are made but a meditation in repetition. Through a process of repetitively recreating each deer, piece-by-piece, the maker becomes intimate with the subject further developing the relationship between artist and iconography. By creating these animals in clear vinyl, cast plastic and acrylic sheet Pitsch speaks not only to what is there but what is not there. It is the skin, the shell, that is recreated, they do not, nor are they meant to stand solid as the original buck did. Instead they draw attention to that which is absent. In some ways these objects are both there and not there, speaking of absence and presence in one breath.

McNaught‘s work is focused on a process of accumulation, formal issues of image making, and the development of complexity through repetition of mark and shape. This work demonstrates a dynamic optical activity and illusion and explores the possibilities that exist by trying variations of single or limited elements and forms. The drawings are rigorous and measured with specific strategies of variation and planned patterning that often employ a division of the picture plane to set up field for a game. Slight differences within the drawings can snare the eye into a compare and contrast situation. In the Net paintings and drawings, the geometry takes on a life of it’s own, expanding and contracting across the surface using a simple solid geometric shape. The variation in the pattern that occurs is a result of a loose control of the artist’s hand.

Getting Below the Surface :An Interview with Elizabeth Graver

2009-10-23T11:21:00.003-04:00

Elizabeth Graver will visit Chester College of New England on Wednesday, October 28. SO Good/Compass Rose staffer Alan Ferland had the opportunity to speak to her.

Alan Ferland: At what point in your life did you want to become a writer?

Elizabeth Graver: I grew up in a house full of books, and no television, so I was an avid reader from an early age, and also a kid with a very intense and elaborate fantasy life. As a girl, I played imaginary games, wrote, and drew pictures in nearly equal measure. I expressed a desire to be a writer from a very young age, around six, I think. I began writing more seriously when I became a teenager and playing with dolls was a terrible embarrassment; the life of my imagination shifted more intensely into writing then. After that, it was a slow, gradual process that involved many steps--writing for the self, writing in school, eventually writing toward publication. The context kept (and keeps) shifting. But the act itself--the writing, the making up of stories--has been part of how I make sense of the world for as long as I can remember.

AF: What do you consider to be inspiration for your writing?

EG: My inspiration comes, for individual pieces, from many different places: photographs, newspaper clippings, dreams, a voice, an image, sometimes (though not often) an event in real life. In a wider way, writing is most centrally about two things for me: words, which I adore--their sounds, their poetry, the way they can be braided into narrative; and emotion and psychology, getting below the surface. The act of writing itself is, I suppose, what generates the inspiration, the words as things I love to put together, and that lead me to new places.

AF: I read your short story, "The Mourning Door" in my Speculative Fiction class and was very much interested in the story's content. Have you always been a fiction writer, or do you stick more so with non-fiction?

EG: I mostly write fiction, and I mostly write fairly realistic, psychological fiction, but that story is one of my stranger ones, playing as it does with the surreal. I could not have written that story as an essay, even though many of the things it engages with--infertility, modern medicine, science, biology, loss--are things an essay could take up. But I wanted a world whose strangeness could be signaled by, saying, the central character finding a little baby ear under the swing-set. I wanted to show the strangeness of reproduction and reproductive technology. Fiction that played with the borders of realism felt like the best way to do that.

AF: Is it ever possible for a story to be considered "done" on the first draft? Do you let your students workshop your own work?

EG: A story for me is never done on the first draft, though some of my stories come out closer to being finished than others. Sometimes it's a question of tweaking, editing, tightening. Other times, it's a question of knocking the house down to rebuilt it again. I often free-write with my students and share some work with them, but I've never had them workshop my own work; we are much too busy trying to fit in their work, and they

AF: In your short story collection, Have You Seen Me?, a few of your stories have maternal undertones. Did you draw from experience to create these pieces?

EG: Not in any direct, autobiographical way. I am a parent now, but my first daughter was born in 2000, my second in 2002, and Have You Seen Me? was written many years before that, in my early to mid-twenties. I love children; I baby-sat a lot; I have a mother; I am a daughter. So I guess that's experience in a way, but mostly, for me, writing is not about recording my own experience--it's about imagining, crossing thresholds into the experiences of my characters. I have to be interested in an urgent way, but I do not have to have, for example, been pregnant in order to write a story about a pregnant woman. If I need to know more, I do research. I make a lot of things up. I feel quite strongly that writers should not limit themselves to the autobiographical. Whose life is interesting enough? Not mine!

AF: What challenges do you face in both teaching and writing? How do you balance such a lifestyle?

EG: My life pulls me in many different directions, with writing, teaching, and parenting young kids all at the center. I love all those things. Sometimes they energize each other. Sometimes I need to put one aside to pay more attention to the other. I need to be patient, let the work develop slowly. Nothing is ever quite in balance, so for me it is more about learning to live with the disequilibrium and know that each thing will return, and that I need to do things to make that happen. A few examples: I left my family twice last year to go to Artists' Retreats for five days and do nothing but write; I left my writing this summer to spend seven weeks with my kids in Switzerland and do nothing but be with them and my husband, as a family, in a foreign place. When I was off writing, I missed my family, and when I was off with my family, I missed my writing, but the purity of not being divided in both those situations made it entirely worth it, and when I came back from my writing retreats, the kids were fine, and when I came back from Switzerland, my novel had not up and run away.

AF: Can you tell me a little more about your current project "Plants and their Children?"

EG: It's a strange sort of hybrid--a series of linked novellas or stories, I suppose, all set on the same small spit of land in Buzzards Bay, but spanning half a century and told from multiple points of view: that of a Scottish nanny caring for a child whose family spends summers on this Point; that of a wealthy young mother in the 50s; of her troubled son in 1970. It's about land, and ownership, and social class, and family as made up of bloodlines and caretakers and in-laws. It's probably the hardest book I've ever written in that what I am trying to capture is quite complicated, as is the relationship of the parts to the whole. It's taking me a long time, but I'm not in a rush and just hoping to get it right.

AF: What advice do you have for up and coming writers?

EG: Read, read, read.`12 Identify what conditions you need in order for your work to flourish (solitude or a cafe, a writers group, an MFA program, a cabin in the woods), and do what you can to create them. Be patient. Go out into the world and have adventures and crossings-over in which you enlarge your sense of the world and yourself.
Don't feel limited to just writing what you know (learn more, know more, imagine). Allow yourself to play--and then allow yourself to go back and revise, revise. E.L. Doctorow once wrote that "writing is like driving at night. You can only see as far as the headlights shine, but you can make the whole trip that way."

Author Elizabeth Graver Visits Chester College

2009-10-23T11:10:00.005-04:00

The next writer in Chester College of New England's Visiting Writers Series is Elizabeth Graver. She will be holding a question and answer session with students from 2- 3 p.m. in Powers 29 on October 28. Later that evening, she will give a reading at 6 p.m., also in Powers 29. Chester College's own Tim Horvath, a member of the Writing and Literature faculty, will open. The reading is free and open to the public.

Graver was born in Los Angeles, California in 1964. She has written three novels, as well as a short story collection, titled Have You Seen Me?, which won the Drue Heinz Literature Prize in 1991. Much of her work has been seen in several anthologies, including Best American Short Stories, Prize Stories: The O. Henry Awards, The Pushcart Prize Anthology, and Best American Essays. One of her stories, “The Mourning Door,” won her the Cohen Prize from the Ploughshare Magazine. She currently is at Boston College, teaching Creative Writing.

Christine Choy Visits Chester College

2009-10-23T11:08:00.003-04:00

With initial training as an architect, Christine Choy understands the unique framework of film making. Her documentary-style works have captivated audiences on a global-scale as well as garnering her multiple citations from the Sundance community. Her 1987 film "Who Killed Vincent Chin?", a chronicling of the real-life tragedy that took Japan by storm, swept critics and viewers, ultimately earning her an Academy Award nomination. She presents at Chester College of New England on October 27th at 2:30pm in the Wadleigh Conference Room as part of the Visiting Artist Symposium. She will share from her experiences as an artist. Admission is free and open to the public.

Finding Inspiration in Location: An Interview with Ben Anderson

2009-10-16T12:30:00.003-04:00

Born in Lewisburg, PA, Ben Anderson has spent much of his life living and working all over the country. After frequent moves, he finished high school in Santa Monica, CA. In 1980 he attended Bucknell University where his father was a painting professor.

While on a semester abroad in London he visited the house of Henry Moore in Leeds, England. After returning to the US he transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design and studied sculpture with Jay Coogan and painter Stuart Diamond.

After graduating with a BFA in 1984, he established a studio in the Foundry building in Providence, RI where he supported his art career by making molds for other artists and architects.

Anderson received his MFA in 1992 from the University of California, San Diego in La Jolla, CA where he worked with Newton Harrison, Kim Mac Connell and Ernest Silva. After retuning to Rhode Island in 1994 he taught part time at area colleges and universities, including RISD, Brown University, Bryant University and the University of Rhode Island, where he was hired full time in 2005 as an assistant professor in the Department of Art and Art History.

Anderson continues to visit colleges and universities both as a resident artist and visiting lecturer. Recently, he came to Chester College of New England as part of its Visiting Artist Symposium Lecture Series.

What was your impression of Chester, and what did you take away from your experience here?

I immediately felt the closeness of the students, the small campus provides an intimacy that can be seen and felt. The students seemed to have a good sense of what their art is about.

How does Chester compare to other schools you have visited, or the schools you attended?

Larger schools tend to have their art education divided into multiple departments, so close knit groups develop within the departments, not usually as cross departmental as Chester.

You have traveled and lived in many places through out your life/career. How do you think this has influenced your work? Is this something you would recommend? Where were some of you more inspiring locations?

My local surroundings largely influence my work. When I was out west, it was very dry, and I longed for the moistness of the East. When you experience the absence of one thing in an area it increases your awareness to the attributes of other areas.

Your website denotes sculptures in ceramic, wood and metal. Can you briefly describe the sensations/feelings you feel when working with the different media? Which is most rewarding? What about your composition/goal for a piece dictates the media in which you choose to create it?

What best suits your idea is what you want to work with; thinking about something and then thinking about what the best materials would be. The more work you do with a variety of materials, the more you increase crossover comfort. Sometimes the pace in which you can work with the medium is a factor: wood takes a long time, it’s methodical; whereas, steel is fast, but still structural like wood.

In your early days of wood sculpting, you mention that you never thought of clay as a serious sculptural material. I am curious as to what your thoughts were on clay as a medium.

During my education and studying different art forms, clay was relegated to an area of pottery or utilitarian/decorative objects, never a serious artistic place. Clay used to be considered more of a craft than a serious material.

Your ceramic plates are heavily influenced by nature. Was there something about the tactile aspects you mention of working with clay that lend itself as a preferred medium?

Definitely. Clay is very plastic, easy to manipulate. I work with lots of molds and I can switch back and forth from molds to live sculpting.

Your bio mentions that your received your BFA in Sculpture, yet the painting/glazing of your sculptures is so detailed, did you study painting as well? What other media did you explore as a student?

No, I had no formal training. I have taken classes here and there over the years, and my skill has developed over time. I have done lots of drawing, and those worlds are interconnected. People should go over the boundaries; a good education crosses these boundaries. One should feel comfortable with all media.

What were some of your other major influences today? Artists? Medium? Subject matter?

I am interested in a natural world; I focus on that area and the different aspects of it. I look at it and find new things to talk about, the world of landscape, nature in a natural world, and I investigate different ways to deal with landscape, nature in new representations, abstract in work, but representational. I am always looking at other artists and how they choose to make work; I talk and interact with different artists all the time.

What advice would you give to expected grads now facing decisions of trying to establish themselves as artists versus continuing their education?

Always a tough decision, it depends on what you want to do. There are different commercial aspects in the design world. In my experience, after my Undergrad, I worked for different artists and found if they had ability to hire or I would work in galleries. If you are interested in teaching, the requirement is to earn a masters. I personally investigated grad school to relocate. You need to make a living regardless, and try to make your work at the same time. It takes time.

Anderson’s work continues to draw upon the natural world. He collects and mediates sampled objects through tools, molds and die casting, expressing his ideas of form and narration. His work is included in numerous private collections, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. He has received a number of awards for his work in ceramics; the 1999 Byers’ Choice Award of Philadelphia, PA; a National Award in Ceramics, the 2005 Directors Choice, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and the 2003 Rhode Island State Council of the Arts, Individual Artist Grant. In spring 2009 Anderson served as Artist in Residence at the Gordon School, East Providence, RI.

Through sculpture, Anderson has contributed more than a dozen exhibitions fusing both nautical composition and environmental works throughout the East Coast. Holding an MFA, his landmark creations have proven crucial to the artistic community.

--Rhiannon Lombard

Night of the Living Dead, Chester College of New England Style

2009-10-16T11:33:00.003-04:00

Night of the Living Dead, the classic screenplay by George A. Romero has been revamped by the 2 Bit Players of Chester College of New England as a hour-long show, which strongly focuses in on the socio-political commentary of the original movie. The play covers one terrifying night in 1968, when seven strangers find themselves trapped together in a farmhouse and having to battle their prejudices inside while waging war against the hordes of the undead just outside the door. The cast includes many talented newcomers as well as seasoned actors, including Maurice Seay as Ben, Cynthia Hollis as Barbara, Rockie Hunter as Harry, Maura Keaney as Helen, Austin Luther as Tom, and Rebecca MacDonald as Judy. Supporting cast includes Alan Ferland as Chief McClellan, William Mercier as Len, and Charles Boucher, Lisa Pike and Derek Laurendeau as zombies. Directed by Professor John Sefel, the play will be performed seven times on the following dates: October 30 at 7:30pm and 10pm, October 31 at 10pm, November 6 at 7:30pm and 10pm, and November 7 at 7:30pm and 10pm. Seating is limited so please make sure to be there a half hour before the show to get tickets. It's an incredible show that you won't want to miss! Also on October 18 from 5-10pm the video portion of the play will be shot on the hill outside of Preston Dorm. We still need rednecks and zombies for extras in the film and there are no lines to be learned, just come and have fun hunting zombies.

~Lisa Pike

Professional Practices and Gallery Practicum group holds Framing and Matting Seminar

2009-10-16T11:26:00.003-04:00

On Friday October 23, 2009 Gallery Practicum Group and Professional Practices will be holding a Framing and Mating seminar. The seminar will be held at 1pm at the First floor in Nutting. The seminar is free and open to the public so feel free to stop by and learn how to mat and frame your artwork.

Chester College Celebrates its 3rd Annual Family Weekend

2009-10-16T11:13:00.006-04:00

On Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24 Chester College will be celebrating its 3rd Annual Family Weekend. The schedule of events is listed below.

Friday, October 23, 2009

8:30pm – 4:00pm Family Weekend Check-In, Lane
9:00am – 4:00pm Attend Classes with Students
9:00am – 11:50am Interactive Design with Luke Buffenmyer
9:00am – 11:50am Professional Practices with Beverly Joyce
9:00am – 11:50am Historical Photo with Ed Stapel
9:00am – 11:50am Composition & Literature with Byron Petrakis
9:00am – 11:50am Madness & Movies with Steve Soreff
11:00am – 11:50am Galleries Practicum with Megan McNaught
12:30am – 3:30pm Professional Practices with Megan McNaught
1:00pm – 3:50pm Composition & Rhetoric with Chris Volpe
1:00pm – 3:50pm Historical Photo with Ed Stapel
4:00pm – 6:30pm Campus Tours
6:30pm Annual Harvest Dinner, Library
8:30pm – 10:00pm Evening Activities:
Apples to Apples, Adams Hall TV Room with Maggie Alerding
Door Decorating Contest, Preston Hall Meeting Room with Nicole Buskey
Silent Football, Preston Hall TV Room with Alan Ferland
Ultimate Frisbee, Library Field with Emmet Griffin
9:30pm Bonfire, Preston Hall

Saturday, October 24, 2009

7:30am – 9:00am Breakfast, Dining Commons
9:00am Family Weekend Welcome, Library
10:00am & 11:00am Rotating Staff-Led Workshops:
Adjusting to College & Parent Participation
Helping Students Finance Their Education
How to Stay in School (as a Grad Student) Forever
Student Health and Safety
11:30am – 1:00pm Lunch, Dining Commones
1:00pm & 2:00pm Rotating Student-Led Workshops
Art History, Julia Maranto
Black Box Theater, Derek Laurendeau & Ben Dennison
Design, Shawn Mahoney & Brittany Barnes
Fiction, Daniel Keating & Chelsea Paige
Painting, Alexa Patrick
Photography, Heather Doherty
Print-Making, Timothy Lee & Maggie Alerding
Sculpture, Wyatt Lynch
Surrealism, Rachel Lieberman, Vanessa Laboy, and Nick Kimball
2:00pm – 4:30pm In the Margins, Nutting Hall
3:00pm – 4:00pm Annual Family Olympics
4:30pm Fall Honors Convocation
5:30pm – 7:00pm Dinner, Dining Commons
7:00pm Evening Entertainment

Paola Ferrario visits Chester College of New England

2009-10-16T11:00:00.006-04:00

On October 20th Photographer Paola Ferrario will continue Chester College of New England's Visiting Artist Symposium. Her lecture will start at 2:30pm in the Wadleigh Library. Following the lecture there will be a question and answer session. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Paola Ferrario was born in Rho (Milan) Italy in 1963. She received an MFA from Yale University in 1988. Since then, she has completed narrative and documentary photographic projects in Italy, Guatemala, and the United States. Among her awards and fellowships are the Friends of Photography/Calumet Emerging Photographer award (2000), the Paul Taylor/Dorothea Lange Prize from Duke University (2001), a Puffin Foundation Grant(2003) and a Guggenheim Fellowship in Photography (2004). Her work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. She is currently the Harnish Visiting Fellow at Smith College in Nothampton, Mass., where she teaches classes in photography and digital media.

Homeland influences curator: An Interview with Viera Levitt

2009-10-16T10:37:00.005-04:00

Curator Viera Levitt visited Chester College of New England on October 13 as part of the Visiting Artists Symposium Lecture Series. So Good staff member Daniel Partridge had the opportunity to speak with her about her work.

Daniel Partridge: With your degree of experience, how has curating better fueled your interest in art?

Viera Levitt: As a curator, I have been very lucky to be able to watch artists at work and to discuss their art with them. This has given me more appreciation for the thoughtfulness and craft that goes into the making of a piece of art.

DP: Do you feel that being the youngest director of public art museum in the history of the Slovak Republic has allowed you more or less freedom in the contemporary art community?

VL: I certainly had suddenly more friends after becoming a director!

I had the freedom to organize ambitious projects and to work with great artists. I also was able to create joint projects involving well-respected contemporary art institutions throughout Europe. But, while fortunately I never was forced to compromise my expectations for a high level of quality in my shows, I was nonetheless pressured as the director of a regional museum, to include the works of so called ‘local artists’. Being a director also involved a set of social expectations, most of which, but not all, I enjoyed.

DP: Having traveled so widely, what drove you to finally settle in the U.S.?

VL: I had an Artslink residency at Graduate Studies at RISD in 2002. It was my first experience in the US, its museums, galleries and non-for profit organizations such as AS220 in Providence, and I met great people, particularly one, that I ended up marrying.

DP: Is there a certain presentation or event throughout your career that you feel defines you best? If so, please elaborate.

VL: I usually get into whatever show or project I’m working on at the time. The ones that define my curatorial preferences are those that tend to be interactive or those that create temporary communities appreciating art in unexpected venues. Two projects in that vein are; “Training” that involved renting an entire car in a regular train in Slovakia and having artists and curators working in tandem to install mediate art to a public of travelers (http://training.rgb.sk). And the second, a recent project that shared the similar element of travel bringing art to the public instead of public to the art – Mobile Art Project that I curated in collaboration with the Hera Gallery in Rhode Island (http://vieralevitt.org/mobileartproject.htm)

DP: Do you have any advice that you believe is crucial to those considering a career in museum curating?

VL: It is the one I got from Czech curator living in Italy, that brought an exceptional show of Bruno Munari to the art museum in Slovakia where I just started to work as I pursued my Masters of Art degree. She said that I would be a good curator because I have the most important quality needed for the job–curiosity. I believe it is true. Looking around, seeing artwork, trying to understand them, asking, discussing, even asking again. So yes, that’s also my advice–be curious!

Be a Zombie or a Redneck

2009-10-16T10:20:00.002-04:00

On Sunday October 18 the 2 Bit Players will be filming a video for their production of Night of the Living Dead. In order to make this film they need people to play zombies and rednecks. All the makeup will be provided and no experience is necessary. Filming will be between 5-10pm but it shouldn't go until 10pm.

In order to be a zombie all you would have to do is wander around and act like you are looking for brains. Rednecks on the other hand will be standing around "drinking".

If you are interested in appearing in the video please email us at 2bitplayers@chestercollege.edu.

The Great Power of Words In Art: An Interview with Susan E. Evans

2009-10-14T09:59:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, October 6, Susan E. Evans gave a lecture to Chester College students in the Wadleigh Library Conference Room as part of the college's Visiting Artist Symposium.

Evans, a conceptual artist who works in photography, video and new media, uses her work to explore concepts of identity, landscapes, and the categorization of information. "I am fascinated how identity, like language and photography, is based on context as well as what is connoted and denoted,” she said. “Who we ‘are’ versus who we want people to think we are. I enjoy playing with the overlaps and disparity of this, which affects the way we identify value, categorize, and define…all of which are based on cultural and or socioeconomic biases."

Seeing an evolution from Egyptian Hieroglyphics, to modern advertising and marketing, Evans utilizes text in much of her current work. "I think words have great power and I use them in a variety of contexts,” she said, “but usually to similar ends—to explore how the human brain processes and catalogues information, point out the parallels between the notions of language and grammar and what is called visual language and as a means to make the work subjective to each viewer.

"Generally speaking I am interested in a postmodern deconstructivism and the semiotic application of text,” she continued. “I am also interested in experiential text as well as subverted imagery."

Evans spent the previous summer living in a tee pee and learning wet plate photography, a 19^th century photographic process, with a Fellowship from Oakland University. In March of 2010 she will be lecturing on her project titled "The Color of Skin" at the 47^th National Society of Photographic Education.

--Renee Mallett

Viera Levitt visits Chester College of New England

2009-10-09T10:28:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, October 13, Viera Levitt will visit Chester College of New England as the next artist in the Visiting Artist Symposium. She will not only speak of her diverse portfolio and experience, but also to shed some light on the contemporary arts scene and her past time curating exhibitions all across the globe. Originally from Slovakia, Levitt was the youngest public arts director in the history of the Slovak Republic and her dedication to the creative world is unwavering. Her presentation will be held in the Wadleigh Library conference room from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Ireland Study Abroad is now exhibiting in the Wadleigh Gallery

2009-10-09T10:26:00.001-04:00

Starting this week, students who participated in Chester College's Ireland Summer Abroad 2009 will exhibit their work in the Wadleigh Library Gallery. The show includes work from Chester College students Julia Maranto, Wyatt Lynch, Ken Belsito, Alicia Roussin and Susan Roes. The work is a collection of books, photography, sculpture, and paintings, which were influenced by Irish life, historical sites, geography, and the culture and nature of Ballyvaughn, Ireland. The students studied in Ballyvaughn at Burren College.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Chester College Alum Shows Photographs on Campus

2009-10-07T08:14:00.005-04:00

Traveling Asia, a collection of color photographs by Chester College of New England alum Scott Baker, will be on display in the Wadleigh Gallery on the Chester College campus through October 22. SO Good staffer Heather Doherty spoke to him before the opening on October 2.

Heather Doherty: How long have you been working on this series?

Scott Baker: I have been working on this series for three years. I mainly worked in Korea. After the first six months of shooting I started contacting galleries. At this point I have seven shows lined up until August 2010. Most of the galleries I contacted had a one to two year waiting period.

HD: What do you want people to take away from your show?

SB: I have been trying to photograph Korea and my other travels in hopes to express how different cultures are. I wanted to show how they live. I wanted to show different things from across the world that most people wouldn’t have a chance to see.

HD: Where did you get the idea for the title of the show?

SB: The past three years I just saved and traveled. I didn’t go to too many places in Southeast Asia so I just named it Asia. I am not one to title my work. I am pretty straight forward.

HD: Where did you do the majority of your shooting?

SB: I did all my shooting in Asia: South Korea, Beijing, China, Thailand, Siem Reap, Cambodia and Angkor, Cambodia.

HD: Why did you choose the format of your prints you chose?

SB: Honestly it is what I can afford at this point. I look at my work as both art and business. I didn’t want to get a credit card and rack up a huge bill. I just saved up and did what I could do.

HD: What made you go into photojournalism?

SB: In high school we watched a documentary on W. Eugene Smith and after that I knew what I wanted to do.

HD: Were there any classes at Chester that pushed you in this direction of work?

My photojournalism and documentary photography classes I took my senior year. Those were the two classes I left with, and what got me into travel and sports.

HD: Who or what influences your work?

SB: The different people I have met over the years. Jaylee, a farmer I met in Korea; he really showed me a lot about farming, and introduced me to Korean culture. What I learned at Chester prepared me for situations and how to be artist/photographer.

HD: What medium do you prefer to work in?

SB: The past six months I have been working with a Mamma Mia 645, medium format and film camera. I like it because it is the type of camera you have to look down to get the natural setting.

Digital is good because it is quick and easy to look at in the field. Film on the other hand you have to develop. At this point I have tons of rolls that still need to be developed from the past six months.

I like going back and forth between digital and black and white film.

HD: How do you pick your subjects of work?

SB: I try to find interesting stories. Jaylee’s (my farmer friend) neighbor was a sweet potato farmer. I was able to learn a lot about the subject, which is what I want my photography to show. I get my ideas from the internet and television. For instance, I was watching a show on Discovery about villages in Thailand. From that show I decided I would do anything necessary to get there and meet those people. I also get ideas from the people I meet.

HD: How do you pick the pictures to print?

SB: Whenever I take a picture I instantly know which one I am going to print. It is like an adrenaline rush when I take those pictures.

HD: Is there anything in particular you like to photograph?

I photograph sports on the weekend for fun and for the money. I’m not into studio stuff. I think you should learn studio work but it’s not what I want to do.

HD: What are you working on right now?

SB: I am currently working on advertising my work. I want to make a name for myself. I am also looking into grad school focusing on art management/gallery management.

HD: Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?

SB: Do not limit yourself on projects you want to do. Try to think of a crazy story and how to do it.

Susan E. Evans visits Chester College of New England

2009-10-04T21:09:00.001-04:00

Photographer and Videographer Susan E. Evans will be the next artist in Chester College of New England’s Visiting Artist Symposium Lecture Series. Her lecture will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6 in the Wadleigh Library conference room. It is free and open to the public.

Evans works with Photography, Video, sculpture, installation, and hybrid media. She is currently working with contemporary content in large format wet-plate photographs (Ambrotypes) and actively researching different language theories, anthropology and memory systems. She is fascinated by the disparity of a unified understanding or comprehension of common symbols and imagery though standardized structures and utilizes these to explore ideas about language, identity, context, structure, information processing, categorization, co-modification and meaning.

Evans started her photography exploration at the age of 8. She received her BFA in both Photography and Holography from Goddard College and a MFA from Cornell University in Photography.

She has work shown in the George Eastman House, Los Angles Contemporary Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Art, Houston, Texas; Musée de l’Elysée, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centro De La Imagen; Mexico City, Mexico; Southeast Museum of Photography, Daytona Beach, FL; Cincinnati Art Museum, Ohio; Akron Museum of Art, Akron Ohio; The Henry Museum, Portland Oregon; Center for Photography Woodstock, NY; Center for Creative Photography; Tuscon AZ; Collection Dancing Bear; and the George Meredith Collection.

Christopher Janke visits Chester College

2009-10-04T21:07:00.001-04:00

Chester College of New England’s Visiting Writers Series will welcome poet Christopher Janke at 6 p.m., Wednesday, October 7 in Powers 29. Chester College student Joseph Arentz will open the event, and a question and answer session with the writers will follow. The reading is free and open to the public.

Janke owns Suzee’s Third St. Laundry in TFMA. He is Senior Editor of Slope Editions, and his poems have appeared in Harper’s, The American Poetry Review and other journals. He also has written the book Structure of the Embryonic Rat Brain.

Chester College holds an Open House

2009-09-25T12:11:00.003-04:00

On October 3rd Chester College will host its first open house of the year from 10 AM to 2 PM. It is a great opportunity to explore the campus, see student work, learn about the degree programs offered, meet the faculty, and talk about financial aid opportunities. RSVP by going to http://chestercollege.edu/ and clicking the banner at the top of the page. Walk-ins are welcome but we do suggest that you RSVP.

Constructed Photographs: Darrell Matsumoto Exhibit

2009-09-25T10:30:00.004-04:00

This October the Community College of Rhode Island will be hosting Constructed Photographs (1989 - 2009), an exhibition by Chester College faculty member Darrell Matsumoto. Matsumoto is both an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Photography, Media Arts and Design.

Matsumoto describes his work: “I attempt to make work that can engage and seduce, to report, to explicate. I am interested in making metaphors. I admire the elegance of haiku, however I am drawn to opera. If it were possible the synthesis of haiku and opera is the work I aspire to make.” This exhibition shows both elements, simplicity and color extravaganza through carefully constructed photographs.

Constructed Photographs opens on Thursday, October 1st, from 5 to 7 PM in the campus Art Gallery, with an artist talk to take place at 6 PM. The exhibition will be running through October 29th. For more information contact Viera Levitt, knightgallery@ccri.edu

Chester Fair Pictures

2009-09-25T10:06:00.004-04:00

On September 12th members of the Chester College community helped the town of Chester celebrate their annual fair.

Poetic Connection: An Interview with Nancy Diessner

2009-09-23T00:30:00.006-04:00

September 16 saw the opening of Nancy Diessner's gallery show Sabbatical Work, a series of prints exploring the connection between longing in man and nature. Diessner is faculty member at Chester College of New England, serving as a professor and the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies.

The series was started during Diessner's sabbatical and gradually developed into the series.
During that time she was able to work in studio without the pressures of teaching or business. By her own account Diessner has always worked slowly, especially with printmaking, in which the process isn't rapid. The slow approach, however, allows for a close eye on detail.

In the same way her work demands the viewer spend more time observing it. Sabbatical Work isn't a direct narrative, but that isn't to say the work is without meaning. Diessner described it as "poetic connection" and explained the difference by comparing the reading of poetry to the reading of a newspaper. "Poetry isn't simply about the face value of words," she said, "and oftentimes requires the audience to reread it to reveal different connections and meaning."

The connections in Sabbatical Work are layered as well; in a single frame images are paired, and pairs themselves make another set with a second frame, with the images also linked through various use of symbolism, color and other elements. They aren't intended to be straight forward or logical but rather to motivate interpretation.

Diessner said she is drawn to print making by the process of making the prints. Each step draws upon a different skill and experience, from photography, drawing and painting to the printing itself. She described the sensory experience and the combination of different art forms as a "major pull" into printmaking.

Sabbatical Work continues in Wadleigh Gallery through September 29.

--Ben Dennison

The Art of Abstraction: An Interview with Heidi Whitman

2009-09-22T23:54:00.007-04:00

On September 22 painter Heidi Whitman spoke and presented her work in the Wadleigh conference room as part of Chester College of New England's Visiting Artist Symposium.

Most of the work presented was from her series Brain Terrain, a mixed-media project focusing on an abstraction of both the physical and the mental, presenting a literal map awash in surreal imagery. The combination of cartography and dreamscapes seemingly puts the very nature of the series at odds with itself: how do you map the intangible? But it's that very exploration of thought that Whitman uses to bring the viewer in.

Throughout Brain Terrain themes and images recur, but they share much of their space with undefined shapes. This abstraction, Whitman said, is important. She uses abstraction because to her, it's a purity and simplification of the everyday; a choosing to provoke ideas through color and shape over logic and reason.

The pieces in Brain Terrain serve to represent modern life, showcasing how technology bombards us with images and ideas at an impossible rate. Symbols of this are easily spotted in the paintings, whether it be a free-floating brain or an ominous airplane. But despite being busy, the pieces are made by traditional means. Whitman said she chooses to combine different papers, inks, paints and textures over any sort of digital manipulation.

Despite promoting the importance of technology, Whitman said she believes that digital imaging will never completely overtake traditional art because there will always be a need for it, either as a consumer or a creator.

Whitman's work is perhaps best described as reactive; not just in how the viewer may interpret it but in how it is made. She discussed an instance in which a stray line is drawn and built upon, initially without sound reason, with the piece slowly coming together in layers.

She also spoke to how she adapts to her influences. For example, she described the work of another artist that involves cutting up prints with an Exacto knife. Then she showed her own work made with the same method, creating three-dimensional structures that, while expressing the same ideas as the paintings, now play off of literal space and shadow. To her that is inspiration: "the adaptation of past techniques to your own style."

--Ben Dennison

Heidi Whitman visits Chester College September 22

2009-09-18T11:38:00.007-04:00

Heidi Whitman will visit Chester College on September 22 as the next artist in the Visiting Artist Symposium. Whitman is a painter and teaches painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. She has also taught at MassArt and Simmons College. She holds her B.A. from the University of California Berkeley and a diploma from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. She has had exhibits in Pierogi in Brooklyn, NY, the Southeastern Louisiana Contemporary Art Gallery, Harvard College, Laconia College, Clark University and Simmons College. Whitman also has collections in The McMullen Museum of Art, Boston University and The Boston Public Library.

The Visiting Artist Symposium lecture starts at 2:30 P.M. in the Wadleigh Library conference room. It is open to the public.

Michele Penhall Interview

2009-09-18T11:07:00.011-04:00

Dr. Michele M. Penhall, Curator of Prints and Photographs at the University of New Mexico visited Chester College of New England on September 15 as part of the Visiting Artist Symposium Lecture Series. She has held the position of curator at UNM since 2004 and is in charge of the more than 13,000 prints, 1000 drawings and numerous photographs dating back to the dawn of photography in the mid-1800s. Her scholastic passion lies in the late 19th century photography of such South American photographers as Martín Chambi and the Vargas Brothers. She has dedicated much of her academic and professional career in studying and researching the photographs as well as the cultural context of these photographers and how it shaped their work. Recently, she took the time to elaborate on her career and cultural journey with So Good interviewer, Lisa Pike.

How did you first become interested in photography, especially that of indigenous peoples in the Southwestern United States and South America?

I have been interested in photography since my days as an undergraduate, but my interest in Latin and South American photography began at the University of New Mexico when as a new graduate student I had to give a public talk. Having just discovered the work of Peruvian photographer Martín Chambi, I gave my lecture on Chambi. My dissertation developed from that initial experience.

Was there a specific photographer or image which inspired you to enter the world of photography?

No. There are many images—too many to count—that stand out for me in terms of their iconic status or because they are very compelling, or were made in extraordinary circumstances.

I saw you attended the University of Hawaii for your undergraduate work, was that a decision made because of the culture of the islands and how it could contribute to your work? And if so, would you say that various cultures and locations have always had a large influence upon your work and interests?

The Air Force took our family to Hawaii, where I lived for 15 years before moving to the east coast. I completed high school, and my BFA there and the cultural diversity had a tremendous positive impact on me. The term “cultural diversity” had not really entered the lexicon yet, but it seemed completely natural to live and work among people of various different backgrounds and cultural distinctions. Hawaii is a very special place in that way.

How did you feel viewing photographs of Andean images that hadn't been seen for over a century while working on the Earthwatch Institute's project in Peru and Bolivia? Also, can you tell us a little about the Earthwatch Institute's mission and how one can get involved?

Earthwatch Institute is located in Maynard, MA. They have an excellent website (http://www.earthwatch.org) and one can peruse their catalogue of projects and select subjects which interest them and receive more information. It was thrilling to see work, all these incredible portraits that had not been viewed for a very long time. There were many surprises. One volunteer, a young lawyer from New York, who was of Peruvian descent, although she had never been to Peru, joined our crew. While we were sorting negatives in one of the archives, she found an image of her grandmother, whom she had never met. It was a very dramatic moment, like finding a needle in a haystack when you weren’t even looking for a needle. Everyone was in tears.

What is the process of becoming a specialized curator in the arts of photography and printmaking?

One generally needs to have an advanced degree or extensive research experience. Curating at the museum level means that you have to be able to mount original exhibitions based on original thoughts and ideas. And you have to be able to write about these exhibitions in a way that is accessible and comprehensible to a broad audience that includes many people who do have the specialized background of museum professionals or other teachers and academics. It has also helped me a great deal to know about photography from being a photographer. Some basic knowledge about the technical aspects of the medium provide insight into many pictures that otherwise would be lost.

How many exhibitions have you been involved with over your career and which would you say were your favorites?

I have curated just over 25 exhibitions, some small ones, and some large comprehensive ones and a few in collaboration with other colleagues. A few of my favorites were intimate ones that dealt with portraits from our collection. They were opportunities to present images from the 19th century up to the present, to illustrate an idea that one could trace throughout photography’s entire history. Another meaningful exhibition was one I co-curated with our curator of academic initiatives, Sara Otto-Diniz, in 2008 to celebrate democracy and the forthcoming presidential election. We began with two very early images of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas and ended with a striking life-size portrait of a female soldier from the Gulf War dressed in fatigues. It was a very high key image in which everything was covered in a thin layer of white paint. The only color came from hers eyes—it was haunting and quite moving.

Do you have any pending exhibitions on the horizon, personal or otherwise, and if so could you tell us a little about the installation?

I am working on a large retrospective exhibition on photographer Patrick Nagatani that will open next September at the UNM Art Museum. It will be both exciting and a challenge to design a dynamic installation that best speaks about each series of work in a unique and provocative way.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking into museum careers?

The first step is to volunteer at a gallery or museum just to get your foot into the door. In the process you will see bits and pieces and learn about all the different types of jobs involved in museum work, which will help give you a better overall view of the field and what direction you may want to take in your career.

Megan McNaught and Luke Buffenmyer to Exhibit in Boston

2009-09-11T10:10:00.002-04:00

Chester College of New England Assistant Professors Megan McNaught (Fine Art) and Luke Buffenmyer (Graphic Design) will have collaborative works on view at LA GALERÍA at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts (formerly known as Casa de la Cultura/Center for Latino Arts) 85 West Newton Street, Boston, Massachusetts from September 17- October 31, The exhibition was organized by curator Evan J. Garza and curated by Jen Mergel, Associate Curator, The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. The exhibition opens with a gallery talk by Jen Mergel and Evan J. Garza, Thursday September 17 from 5-6PM, followed by the opening reception from 6-9pm. Refreshments will be served.

Rachelle Beaudoin Featured in Touring Video Festival

2009-09-11T10:08:00.003-04:00

Plugged Art Collective is pleased to announce "Cheer Shorts" by Photography & Media Arts instructor Rachelle Beaudoin will be included in their touring "Her Shorts: Selections Of 2006-08 " festival. The next upcoming screening of Her Shorts "Selections of 2006-08" is at the Fishbowl Gallery, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology located in Nelson, New Zealand, this August 31st-Sept. 4th 2009.

Plugged is archiving three years of Her Shorts: International Women’s Video Festival to host individual artist’s videos on Plugged’s website. The online archive supports Plugged’s mission to make relevant artwork more accessible to the public. In addition the online library will act as host for a global community of artists. Ideally this platform will act as a meeting point for living artists to meet each other’s work and spawn further creativity.

Videos are continually being added and eventually a searchable database will be available. http://www.pluggedartcollective.com/Archive.html or view videos visit http://www.pluggedartcollective.com/pastevents.html.

Eric Pinder Speaking and Published

2009-09-11T10:07:00.007-04:00

Eric Pinder will be speaking and reading at the Nashua Public Library in the NPL Theater on Sunday, November 15, from 2-3 pm. He will share photos and video footage from New England’s highest peak, where he once worked as a weather observer, while reading from his new children’s book Cat in the Clouds, in a program for ages 8 and up. An event calendar and directions to the Nashua Public Library can be found at: http://www.nashualibrary.org/calendar.htm . Information about Eric Pinder’s books are available at http://www.ericpinder.com/html/books.html.

A new, expanded edition of Eric Pinder’s book Life at the Top has been published by Hobblebush Books. The 2009 edition has a new subtitle, Weather, Wisdom & High Cuisine from the Mount Washington Observatory, and several new chapters including “Life at the Bottom,” which explores the Mount Washington-South Pole connection, with interviews with people who have worked in both locations.

Weatherwise Magazine praised the first edition of Life at the Top for its “wry New England humor” and its tales of hapless hikers, curious summit cats, and mischievous meteorologists. The revised, updated edition describes the joys and terrors of living at a mountaintop observatory famously nicknamed “the home of the world’s worst weather.” Details at: http://www.ericpinder.com/html/life.html.

Dr. Monica O'Brien to Chair Pannel & Present Paper

2009-09-11T10:05:00.004-04:00

Writing & Literature professor Dr Monica O'Brien will be Chairing a Film Studies panel at the annual Mid-Atlantic Popular/American Culture Association conference in Boston, Nov. 5-7. She will also be presenting a paper inspired by Chester student Ben Dennison's original idea of a comparative study of Samuel Beckett's Endgame to David Lynch's Eraserhead."

Dr. Nanette Thrush to Present Paper

2009-09-11T10:04:00.002-04:00

Art History professor Dr. Nanette Thrush will present her paper, "Setting the Table: Domestic Politics and Historical Desire in the Early Victorian Era," at the annual conference of the Victorian Interdisciplinary Studies Association of the Western United States in October. This paper, on historical images in middle-class dinnerware, represents work on her manuscript in process, entitled Caveat Emptor.

Jenn Monroe Published and Reading

2009-09-11T10:02:00.003-04:00

Two of Writing & Literature professor Jenn Monroe's poems, "The Trouble with Dream Interpretation" and "Words for This," have been published by the online magazine Sunsets and Silencers. She will also be participating in a public reading by several New England College MFA in Poetry alumni at the Forbes Library in Northampton, MA on Saturday, September 26, from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Tim Horvath Published and Reading

2009-09-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

On Sept. 14th, Writing & Literature instructor Tim Horvath will read at Four Stories in Cambridge, along with three others. The theme will be "The Long Goodbye: Tales of Endings and Loss." In addition, on Oct. 6th He will read at Riverrun Bookstore in Portsmouth, as part of Dzanc Books' Best of the Web 2009 Anthology, for which his story "A Box of One's Own" was an honorable mention.

This November, his story "The Discipline of Shadows" will appear in the journal Conjunctions, and another story, "The Quality of Air," will appear in the Montana-based magazine Drummlummon Views. Finally, his essay "First Do Not Bore" will be released as a chapter in the debut of the Evolutionary Review, a new journal to be published by SUNY Press.

Renee Mallet Interview

2009-09-08T23:07:00.001-04:00

Currently showing in the Equine Beauty: Art of the Field, Trail, and Paddock exhibit at the Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham MA, Chester College of New England junior Renee Mallet is enjoying a new level of notoriety for her photographic output.

A dedicated student, wife, and mother of three, Mallett is better known for her variety of contributions to the literary world. Poetry, short fiction, magazine articles, books and a graphic novel are just a few of her many publications. She currently is a creative writing major at Chester College and took some time recently to chat with the staff of SO Good.

SO Good: Do you find inspiration from your children? Do you write with them in mind?

Renee Mallett: I think the biggest change in my writing since coming to Chester is writing about my family, thanks mostly to Eric Pinder’s Nature Writing class and Jenn Monroe’s Memoir class.

I used to think that writing about one’s family was the literary equivalent of doing watercolor paintings of your grandkids on the weekends! In addition to the these influential classes, I also came across this quote from experimental film maker Su Friedrich, “You get to something universal by being very specific . . . I think you have to start at home.”

I have since adopted that as kind of like my artistic motto. Since giving myself permission to ‘start at home’, so to speak, my writing has taken a whole new direction.

SG: What is your favorite form of expression, i.e. writing, photography? Do you have one, or a combination?

RM: I am a writer first and foremost; although having been heavily influenced by comic books, and being an active cine-phile, I am constantly exploring new ways to join words and images to create something more.

SG: Tell me more about your current show; what were some of the events that lead to showing your photography?

RM: My photography is being shown, for the first time ever, at the award winning Gallery Della-Piana, located in Wenham MA, along with fifteen other artists from around the world as part of their Equine Beauty: Art of the Field, Trail, and Paddock exhibit. The show will be up through October 17.

The gallery is owned and operated by Elissa Della-Piana, who teaches illustration at Montserrat College of art. Friends recommended that I submit some pieces to at least receive critique on my work.

SG: What are some of your long-term goals for your writing, and your art?

RM: My goal is to keep on experimenting and producing all kinds of different work. I like to make something, send it off into the world, see what becomes of it and see where I’m led to next. I’m definitely more interested in the journey than a destination.

SG: Whom do you look to as an artistic role model? Who influences your work?

RM: My writing has always been more influenced by movies than by books. John Waters, Almodovar, Otto Preminger, and Sam Peckinpah are the directors who I take the most inspiration from.

SG: What should we look for next?

RM: My next big project is a story for an anthology of short zombie comics being published by Terminal Press. I will just be writing on this one, I’m definitely not up to the task of drawing an entire comic!

Interview with Frank Soos

2009-09-04T12:27:00.007-04:00

Writer Frank Soos visited Chester College of New England in early September as part of the Visiting Artist Symposium Lecture Series and the Visiting Writers Series. He took some time to sit down the SO Good to talk about his work.

SO Good: What made you start writing? Why?

Frank Soos: I believed I started writing because I had things I wanted to say that no one would say. I guess where I grew up had an impact. It is not immediately eminent in my work but it is where I started.

SG: Where do you get you inspiration?

FS: I think Chuck Close summed it up best “inspiration is for amateurs, professionals work.” I wait for things to happen. Not all events are complete so they leave room for questions. For instance, Margo’s sister’s purse was stolen but was later found. The guy was caught after using her credit card at McDonalds and a 7-11. I used this moment to write a story about the guy. There was room to speculate, to see what events trigger others. For non-fiction pieces I just pay attention to questions and wonder about things that will not be known in first glance.

SG: Are there any authors/artists that have shaped your work?

FS: Oh yeah, Allison Drove. She is a technical model short fiction writer. Lee Smith, an essayist, grew up not too far from me. I think she does a good job capturing the mountain gold.

SG: What is your biggest accomplishment?

FS: I don’t know. It does mean much to me to win the Flannery O’Connor award but I find it dangerous to dwell on such accomplishments. It can end up getting in the way and actually take away from your work.

SG: Do you think your work has a bigger impact by itself or paired with Margo’s work?

FS: My stuff with Margo by design does profit from the collaboration. I am not sure how strong my stuff is without Margo’s. Margo’s work, on the other hand, can stand by itself. My normal writing does hold up because it has to.

SG: What comes more naturally to you essays or fiction?

FS: I honestly want to say neither but if I have to choose I guess fiction. Fiction is easier for me because it is more controllable hence the attraction. Essays on the other hand need a lot more attention. If left unwatched it can get out of hand.

SG: Do you prefer writing or teaching?

FS: I just retired from teaching. But for me teaching has a here and now gratification. It became hard for me to draw the lines when I was working with creative people. When I was teaching I would never read an incomplete draft of something. I feel it interferes with the author’s work. It causes the author to lose their voice and the piece ends up sounding like two different people. I also think that reading an incomplete draft can discourage the author. When I was teaching I found it difficult to go back to my own work at the end of the day because all of my creative juices were being used on the students. Now that I am retired I do plan on writing more pieces; I don’t think I have given all I can just yet.

SG: Do you have any advice for upcoming writers/artists?

FS: Work is not about talent. Stubbornly stick with your work. I find it encouraging seeing former students succeed and discouraging to see gifted students give up too easily on themselves. I think they need to stop using the rejected letter from the publisher as an excuse to give up. I guess I’m just saying don’t give up.

Welcome Back!

2009-08-29T10:37:00.002-04:00

The staff of SO Good is back and ready for a very exciting fall semester of visiting artists and writers, gallery shows and all sorts of tasty fun. Don't forget to become a fan of our Facebook page, and to buy a copy of Volume II from Lulu.com.

Visiting Artist Frank Soos

2009-08-28T12:22:00.005-04:00

Chester College of New England kicks off the 2009 Visiting Artist Symposium on Tuesday, September 1st. Frank Soos will be giving a lecture with wife and fellow artist Margo Klass in the Wadleigh Conference Room from 2:30 to 4 PM. Soos will also be hosting a public reading at 6 PM as part of the Visiting Writers Series with a question and answer session to follow.

Soos has published two works of fiction, Early Yet and Unified Field Theory, as well as the book of essays, Bamboo Fly Rod Suite.

Krystle Belanger Gives 2009 Valedictorian Address

2009-05-17T08:59:00.002-04:00

Chester College of New England celebrated its 41st Commencement on Saturday, May 16 with 33 graduates receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree. Krystle Belanger, a photography, media arts major, gave the following Valedictorian address.

As I stand before you all today, I can honestly say that four years ago I wouldn’t have pictured myself here – with the 2009 graduating class of Chester College of New England… in my high school. But it is an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to speak with you.

Our years together have flown by, and in some instances have felt like an eternity. I can clearly remember the first day of orientation, being greeted by Dr. Petrakis, and thinking to myself, “What did I get myself into?” A lot has changed since then. Our circles of friends may have transformed, we ourselves may be different people, but we have been able to watch each other succeed in a myriad of ways.

Our time together at Chester wasn’t easy. Many hours were spent critiquing each others' work, pulling apart every detail while asking all of the important questions: “How is this Art?” and “Why does this matter?” - We got on each others' nerves, we debated and argued, some of us even cried, but we laughed too. Our ideas transformed and grew with every conversation. After all, what is art without the process? We pushed each other in ways that forced us to better understand ourselves as artists and as people- making every step worth the reward.

Today is a big day. A very big day. But by no means is this the “The Road Less Traveled.” … I think that part comes next – in the future days, or even years, when we all have to decide if coming this far is good enough. I hope we each continue to put our skills to work, building our own paths in the real world – The place where there are no grades to rank us, and judgment passes only on our actions and determination. I sincerely hope you each pursue your talents, whichever they may be, because I know you are all capable of greatness if only you are willing to work for it.

Today we walked into this room as a group – a unit that has supported one another. Take comfort in the fact that we leave as superbly educated individuals. We have been guided by an unyielding faculty that has gently pushed us to discover our artistic voices – voices that I hope won’t easily be silenced.

But we have to face the facts: in about three months we’ll be replaced. The freshmen are coming, and although our presence may linger shortly, it’s time to move on – time to take what we have learned and to begin living our dreams out loud. So good luck, and Congratulations!

Submit to SO Good Volume III

2009-05-14T11:08:00.002-04:00

The submission period for SO Good Volume III is now open!

Any work created by Chester College students this semester (Spring 2009) or next semester (Fall 2009) is eligible. Submit for yourself, or, if you are a faculty member, nominate your favorite student work as a Faculty Favorite.

Send all work--visual and written--as an attachment to chester.annual.online@gmail.com.

Have a great summer!

Art History Club Visits NYC Museums

2009-05-13T13:15:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, May 9, ten Chester College students woke themselves up in order to pile into a van by eight, and arrive at the Brooklyn Museum by two. They are members of the college's Art History Club, which was created to allow students to attend galleries and museums normally out of their reach due to distance and/or cost. It is one of the only (if not the only) clubs of its kind.

Professor Nanette Thrush, the club's advisor, arranged for this most recent trip to New York City, which included stops at the Brooklyn Museum on Saturday and the Guggenheim on Sunday. At the Brooklyn Museum, students had the opportunity to view exhibits that featured works from Africa, Asia, Europe, Ancient Egypt, decorative arts, and the famous “Dinner Party” by Judy Chicago. Later, the club relocated to the 63rd Street YMCA, right across the street from the West side of Central Park, to stay for the night. Students chose to spend their evening exploring places like Times Square, Greenwich Village and Central Park, and shopping in stores such as FAO Schwartz and Macy's.

The Guggenheim, right off of Central Park's East side, is a contemporary art museum which features many more recent works than the Brooklyn Museum. Although not all of the galleries were open to the public on Sunday, club members were still able to see blueprints of Frank Lloyd Wright's work (who, by the way, is the museum's architect), paintings by artists such as Picasso and Manet, and other interesting works by newer artists.

Would you like to go to art museums for free? Join Art History Club by contacting Nanette Thrush or Rachel Lieberman.

--Rachel Lieberman

SO Good Volume II Available Now

2009-05-08T11:06:00.004-04:00

Get your copy of SO Good Volume II through Lulu.com now by following this link or clicking the "buy now" button in the left column of this blog. Copies of SO Good Volume I also are available here.

Professional Practices Course Prepares Writers for Life After College

2009-05-04T08:06:00.003-04:00

Chester College is making great effort to expand the types of classes offered to students. This year the Department of Writing and Literature added a requirement, Professional Practices for Writers. The class, taught by Jenn Monroe, gives writers insight into the various areas they can venture into after graduation. This includes story submissions, grant writing, graduate school and potential jobs. The class also covers resumes and interviews along with the legal issues surrounding writers and their work and how to protect themselves. The class will now be offered every fall semester.

The fall semester was the first time the class had been offered. SO Good staffer Steph Libby interviewed Jenn Monroe to find out how the class came about, what it accomplished, and how it might change.

Steph Libby: What prompted the addition of Professional Practices?

Jenn Monroe: It was a natural progression in the growth of the department’s offerings. We knew our students were talented but we wanted to make sure that they were ready for life after Chester, no matter if they wanted to look for a job, continue writing, go to grad school or some combination of these.

SL: How do you think the course helped students?

JM: Well, in really tangible ways: you’ve been accepted into the MFA program at Goddard College and Beth Ann [Miller] has had work she sent out as part of the course earn an honorable mention from Glimmer Train and first place in a contest sponsored by Hollins University. But generally students have said that they were not aware of grant writing or how to go about finding freelance opportunities. I think most of them feel slightly less stressed about what comes next.

SL: Is there anything you’re going to do differently within the course the next time it’s offered? Anything you’re going to add?

JM: I’d like to do much more with the grant writing, to really see one of the proposals go all the way through to a completed project. I’d also like to do much more with securing freelancing opportunities as well. I’m hoping there’s more time for guest speakers and off-campus trips too.

SL: Do you think students actively thought about these practices (grant writing, graduate school, submissions) prior to taking the class?

JM: I think students actively panicked about what they were going to do after Chester prior to taking the class. While the class won’t solve all of the stress, at least it gives students some tools and some perspective.

SL: What do you think were the best and worst parts, the pros and cons of the class?

JM: It is difficult, in a class like this, to be sure that you are reaching everyone in terms of their goals. Some people are really certain that they do not want to go to grad school, or at least not in the next few years, so I think they felt going through the application process was a waste of time and they didn’t take it seriously. This class, perhaps more than others, really is what each individual student chooses to make it. I’m just putting the information out there.

SL: Why did you choose the books you chose? How do you think they helped the students?

JM: I like the MFA book (The Creative Writing MFA Handbook)because it is a great resource for programs; the law book (The Law in Plain English for Writers) is one that all writers should have, simply to protect themselves.

Student Work to Appear in Art and Literary Magazine

2009-05-04T08:04:00.002-04:00

This photo manipulation, created by Chester College student Julia Maranto, was accepted to Spires Art and Literary magazine (Washington University's art and literary magazine) for their Spring 2009 issue.

Senior Shows & Readings Conclude, April 27th

2009-04-24T16:04:00.007-04:00

After a month of amazing senior shows, we've finally come down to the end.

The last round of exhibitions will begin on Monday April 27, 2009 and run through to Sunday May 3. The opening reception will be held from 7 to 9pm in Wadleigh Gallery at Chester College of New England and feature work by Nicole Gynn, Michelle Morin, Eryn Murphy and Patrick Tobin. A reading by Ryan Hoarty will be held in the Wadleigh Conference Room at 8pm.

Come out and help end this semester's senior shows on as good a note as they began.

Poem In Your Pocket Day

2009-04-24T15:48:00.010-04:00

Thursday April 30th, 2009 is the second National Poem in Your Pocket Day. It's simple: just carry a poem in your pocket all day and share it with people. Pick any poem you love. You can use your own or get one from any of our street team members (see flyer). On Thursday, pick up a Ask Me About My Poem sticker from the library, Lane or any of the street team members, and wear it so others know you've got something to share. Then just read your poem aloud to someone.

For more information about National Poetry Month and Poem In Your Pocket Day, visit poets.org.

Faculty Member Sees Poems Published

2009-04-24T15:47:00.001-04:00

Three poems by Eric Crapo — "aristophanes lied," "Outfit of God," and "Carnival" — have been accepted for publication in the next issue of the e-journal Origami Condom. Crapo is a member of the Department of Writing and Literature faculty and director of Wadleigh Library.

Evil Villians and Non-Existant Burial Grounds

2009-04-24T14:35:00.021-04:00

The widely anticipated fourth week of senior exhibitions held in the Wadleigh Gallery at Chester College of New England turned out to be a huge success. With perhaps one of the best turnouts of the semester, the opening was packed with students, alumni, faculty, and other guests taking in the artwork and asking questions. Each artist certainly had much to show and be proud about.

Jessica Alford's work consists of eight oil self-portraits created with different artistic styles. Presented in a non-linear progression, these images capture and record time according to moods and space. With influences of Cubism, Surrealism, and many other movements, Alford successfully illustrated her personality and how each person sees themselves differently over time.

Adjacent, Desirae Hudson's paintings, while similar in medium, nicely juxtaposed Alford's self-portraits. Hudson's portraits of her closest friends and family utilized the juxtaposition of bright colors and bland neutral tones to illustrate personality. Her goal to immortalize friends' personalities through the use of color and lack thereof also turned out to be exceptionally well executed.

To the right of Alford's work and across from Hudson, sat the physically present but non-existent work of Zack Shields. Multiple blocks of wood of all sizes were painted white and hung at various positions on the wall. A diagram nearby the artist statement revealed the titles of each wood block according to location. The titles match what the blocks used to picture: various painted images regarding burial grounds. Through layering and reconstructing former paintings until they once again become a clean slate, Shields proves that oftentimes art can be found within the absence of art.

While art does come in many forms, Ken Huntley dared to ask the question: When does the art or creation overpower the creator? Occupying his own alcove across from all the other exhibits, Huntley utilized the space with posters, action figures, and other memorabilia from the created comic Wraith. The wide expanse of objects and images of Wraith the super hero and David the super villain contribute to the idea that characters do indeed overpower the creator and continue to define their own identity.

As for the readings, Alyssa Marsh and Beth Ann Miller both gave amazing performances while reading for their senior projects. Alyssa Marsh presented a hilariously witty outlook on children and what it means to grow up and become an adult. Read with the perfect tone of sarcasm and truthfulness, her non-fiction piece kept the audience laughing while also reflecting on the seriousness of the thoughts and decisions presented in the piece.

Beth Ann Miller read as promised from her fictional piece Cashmere. The audience remained enraptured as together they witnessed the development of elemental characters as they ran into all of life's little quirks and problems. A master at crafting uncomfortably human scenes, Miller's story addressed the awkward truths of human interaction and those moments that remain embedded in the back of peoples' minds.

Needless to say, this round of senior exhibits certainly showcased a wide range of work and artist talent. The work remains up until Sunday, April 26th. Be sure to check it out while there is still time!

An Interview with Melina Draper

2009-04-22T19:14:00.002-04:00

by Emma Haskins

SO Good: Your newest work, Lugar de Origen/ Place of Origin was written with your mother. What was it like working with her?

Melina Draper: I think the nature of collaboration with another artist means two creative processes coming together in messy ways to create something unexpected. This was a very intense project that required attention, energy, and follow-through. It was great to work with my mom. I learned a lot from her in the process. I think we both learned from each other. It was probably an excuse to spend time with each other, and exhilarating to do it via our creative personas. It required a lot of trust, but we had that already.

SG: What inspires and/or informs your poetry? What is your best cure for ‘writer’s block’?

MD: My obsessions inform my poetry and those range from deeply personal issues to engagement in the world around me as well as other poets' work. The "best cure" for writer's block for me is to start at the beginning: keep a journal about whatever. Make up a writing exercise. When I'm really busy, this is often the way I keep my practice active, so that at least I'm generating messy notes that might be useful later.

SG: As an artist currently pursuing an MFA in Poetry, what advice do you have for students who are thinking about entering a graduate program?

MD: I love being a student: another one of my obsessions is learning. Advice: apply for TAships (Teaching Assistantships). These provide a tuition waiver, living stipend, and teaching experience and training. No need to go into debt for a degree in creative writing, right? Apply to a lot of schools. Think of it as an adventure. I love grad school because you get to focus completely on the discipline you love, deepen your practice, read widely and deeply in your field, and pal around with others who are as dedicated as you are.

SG: Lastly, what is your favorite poem or novel? What author has had the most influence on you as a person? As a writer?

MD: Ah, the difficult question. I don't have a single favorite. I could even say what I like is the diversity of voices in poetry and fiction, the different ways of looking at the world, at human behavior, at form and language. Some favorite poets: Li Young Lee, Luise Gluck, Anne Carson, Charles Simic, Elizabeth Bisop, Sylvia Plath, Homer, Emily Dickinson, Rainer Maria Rilke, Wislawa Szymborzka, Victor Hernandez Cruz, and Pablo Neruda. Some favorite novelists and short story writers: David Crouse, James Joyce, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Jorge Luis Borges, Bohumil Hrabal, Cormac McCarthy, Pat Barker, Virginia Woolf, and Jim Crace.

National Poetry Month

2009-04-20T11:57:00.010-04:00

April is National Poetry Month. Here's a few upcoming campus events to help celebrate.

Poem and a Cookie Day

Come out to the picnic tables at noon on Tuesday April 21st, read a poem and get a cookie. It's as simple as that.

Poem in Your Pocket Day

Thursday April 30th is National Poem in Your Pocket Day. You can use your own poem or get one from anyone on the street team (see flyer). On Thursday, pick up a Ask Me About My Poem sticker from the library, Lane or any of the street team members. Then just read your poem aloud to someone.

Fourth Week of Senior Exhibitions - Monday, April 20th through Sunday, April 26th 2009

2009-04-17T11:43:00.005-04:00

“I sat beside Johnny on the couch when our relatives started to arrive. Women with tears and snot smudged on their faces ran to the kitchen. I stood up and shook their hands and gave them hugs when they came in, and Johnny raised his beer bottle from the couch.” – Excerpt from Cashmere by Beth Ann Miller

Image by Ken Huntley

These are just two great examples of what you will encounter this coming week in the Wadleigh Gallery at Chester College of New England. Running Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26, this fourth week of senior exhibitions contains the visual work of Jessica Alford, Desirae Hudson, Ken Huntley and Zack Shields, with readings by Alyssa Marsh and Beth Ann Miller.

Of course each artist is bringing something new and interesting to the table. Jessica Alford will be presenting a series of self-portraits, while Desirae Hudson displays portraits of friends. Ken Huntley questions the control of comic entities while Zach Shields reveals his experimental mixed-media pieces on wood. As for the writers, it will be equally intriguing. Alyssa Marsh will be reading from her creative non-fiction work that includes memoir and opinion essays, while Beth Ann Miller will be reading from Cashmere, a fictional piece that speaks to some of life’s little quirks.

Promising to be thought provoking in every artistic aspect, this show is a must see! Make sure to visit the gallery opening on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. to show your support for the artists and hear the great readings to follow at 8 p.m.

Earth, Wind, Fire & Water and Battle of the Bands

2009-04-16T00:22:00.011-04:00

The third week of senior shows has proven to be a success: even with only two students displaying their artwork, the gallery was packed on opening night.

Guided by duct taped X’s, people gathered in line to view Holly Mahon’s layers of ink jet transparencies. Mahon’s project titled “Earth, Wind, Fire & Water” is not mounted like traditional pieces, but instead hangs inches from the wall, suspended from the ceiling by fishing wire. Many viewers were impressed with Mahon’s use of gallery space. “She uses the space between her images to her advantage,” Jessica Eastman, Mahon’s fellow senior noted.

Pink duct taped boxes mark the areas where small anchors attached to the fishing wire weigh the pieces down, giving them a solid, floating look. Although the bright pink slightly clashes with the earth tones of the collection, it adds a distinct personality. Mahon was relieved that the night went so smoothly, and at the end, led a little boy to her collection and allowed him to play with some of the tiny anchors on the floor. With the night over, she didn’t her mind project becoming a bit interactive. Under her supervision, of course.

Cassandra Korbey’s show “Battle of the Bands – Drowning in Reverse vs. Patchwork Lemon” had the crowd laughing and hollering all night. Korbey’s alcove is painted black and the band’s logos are painted on the walls. Opening night, both bands sat under their logos, selling merchandise, signing autographs, and having pictures taken. A ballot box stood on the merch table for all guests to cast a vote for their favorite band. “It’s just like a real battle of bands – without the music,” Kelsey McCarthy, posing as a member of Drowning in Reverse, said. “We’ve got everything: the energy, the merchandise, the clothes. I’ve been signing pictures for people, even their arms and cleavage.”

“Cassandra’s show is very multi-layered,” Krystle Belanger, another Chester College senior, observed. Belanger noted the quality of each facet of Korbey’s project: the t-shirts, the stickers, the posters, the logos. Every detail has been covered and Korbey not only utilizes her graphic design skills professionally, but also adds a uniquely creative element.

Korbey and Mahon's work will remain up until Sunday, April 19th, but the battle is over: Patchwork Lemon won after the votes were counted at the end of the night.

Visiting Writers Series Welcomes Poet Melina Draper

2009-04-15T18:16:00.001-04:00

Poet Melina Draper will read from her work at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 in Powers 29. Chester College of New England creative writing student Kenneth Hodge will open.

Draper’s poems have appeared in Borderlands: A Texas Review, PALABRA: A Magazine of Chicano & Latino Literary Art, Salamander, Antietam Review, Elixir and other journals. Pudding House published her chapbook What Better Place than This? in 2003. She is pursuing an MFA in Poetry at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has lived in Fairbanks for three winters. Her newest work is Place of Origin~Lugar de Origen (Oyster River Press 2008), a bilingual book of poetry co-authored by Draper and Argentine writer Elena Lafert. The book, divided into two sections, “The Butterfly Effect” and “Naval Gazing” explores family ties across time and distance.

Draper's visit is hosted by the Chester College of New England's Visiting Writers Series and is part of the college's celebration of National Poetry Month. Admission is free.

Senior Shows & Readings Continue

2009-04-10T20:58:00.001-04:00

Exhibitions of work by the Chester College of New England Class of 2009 continue with the close of the current show on Saturday, April 11 and the beginning of the next on Monday, April 13. Currently work by Emily Brochu, Joe Brown, Amanda Prue, and Jeff Traynor is showing in Wadleigh Gallery.

The next show will feature visual work by Cassandra Korbey and Holly Mahon. An opening reception will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 15.

Chester College Introduces Online Certificate in Creative Writing

2009-04-10T20:54:00.000-04:00

This fall Chester College of New England will enroll its first students in its new online certification program in creative writing.

“The Certificate in Creative Writing program gives students the opportunity to create a significant body of work that can help them enter a Master of Fine Arts program,” said Monica O’Brien, chair of the college’s Department of Writing and Literature. “Graduates of the certificate program will be prepared to enter graduate school, pursue writing full-time, or work at a literary journal or publishing house.”

Chester College of New England’s Certificate in Creative Writing will allow students to complete their certification online while balancing a full-time career and education. Since the certificate contains six, three-credit hour courses, students can earn their creative writing certification in a short time frame. While enrolled in program, online students will face rigorous and challenging coursework that will extensively improve their creative thinking and writing abilities. The online workshops are designed to give students extensive opportunities to receive feedback on their work from professionals as well as peers.

For more information, visit the program website or contact the Registrar.

3rd senior show

2009-04-09T18:09:00.007-04:00

April 15th will mark the third opening of senior shows this year. It will be an intimate gallery with two graphic design students displaying their work.

Cassandra Korbey's show "Battle of the Bands - Drowning in Reverse vs. Patchwork Lemon" will be set up in the alcove of the gallery. Korbey says that her "show will consist of merchandise for her two fictitious bad-ass bands. I have made all kinds of merchandise for them, such as t-shirts, stickers, and wristbands. I will also have people posing as members of each band, and they will be giving out autographs and photo opportunities to anyone who wants them." Korbey's work has been created digitally on her computer. It promises to be a rockin' evening with Chester College students and alumni Kara Schulze, Leah Guilmette, Kelsey McCarthy and Davyn Walsh acting as band members.

Holly Mahon claims the space beside Korbey with her "Earth, Wind, Fire & Water" show. As a Graphic Designer, Mahon's show is a 36-sheet, 3-section and 3-D layered project. It will be an Inkjet transparency installation.

The gallery opens at 7:00 pm on April 15th in the Wadleigh Gallery.

Piece by Holly Mahon

Piece by Cassandra Korbey

Senior Show Opening Reception & Reading TONIGHT

2009-04-08T09:52:00.002-04:00

An opening reception for the second of five exhibitions of work by Chester College of New England's Class of 2009 will be held from 7-9 p.m. tonight in Wadleigh Gallery. This show features visual work by Emily Brochu, Joe Brown, Amanda Prue and Jeff Traynor, and readings by Maggie Hatfield, Jeff Metcho, and Laura Spencer at 8 p.m. The show continues through Saturday, April 11.

Make sure to check back here for more information, including interviews with the artists and writers.

Faculty Member Publishes in Three Magazines

2009-04-08T09:48:00.001-04:00

A story on community-based tourism written by Carol Greenhouse, a member of the Chester College of New England Department of Writing and Literature, is included in the May issue of ODE, on newsstands now. She also has a piece on children's meditation in the July issue of MOTHERING magazine and a story on evolving consciousness and the future of education, co-written with Champlain College faculty member Ron Miller, in the June issue of EDUCATION REVOLUTION magazine. She and Miller will present a workshop on the subject at the annual Alternative Education Resources Organization conference in June.

Chester College Opens Student Gallery at The Coffee Factory

2009-04-08T09:46:00.004-04:00

Prints, Painting, & Photography, the first exhibition in Chester College of New England's new Witherill Gallery at The Coffee Factory, will open on Thursday, April 16, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Students from the creative writing program will be reading poetry as part of the event.

The Witherill Gallery is a student-run gallery designed to exhibit work by Chester College students inside The Coffee Factory in Derry. A gallery committee is working with owners Kevin and Gladys Yorke to plan exhibitions. The relationship between the business and the college started when a Chester College student started to attend weekly poetry open mics. From there, the Yorkes expressed an interest in giving Chester College students the opportunity to exhibit and sell their artwork.

Prints, Painting, & Photography continues through May 5. The Witherill Gallery at The Coffee Factory is located at 55 Crystal Ave. in Derry, NH. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 .m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, email the gallery committee.

Chester College Hosts Seacoast Writers Spring Conference

2009-04-08T09:41:00.004-04:00

Chester College of New England is pleased to host the annual Spring Writers Conference of the Seacoast Writers Association, Saturday, May 16, in Wadleigh Library.

The conference begins with registration and a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and the morning session will recognize the winners in the SWA 2009 Writers’ Contest. First place winners will read their winning entries. Former NH State Poetry Laureate Marie Harris will present the keynote address, "In Service to Language, A Writer's Trust."

Following a buffet lunch, the afternoon session offers a choice of one of four two-hour workshops.

Children’s book author and former librarian Michael Sullivan offers motivational techniques for story telling in “Writing for Kids Who Won’t Read.” He writes the Escapade Johnson series and the Bard series of books for school-age children.

Poet and teacher Kimberly Cloutier Green introduces participants to the four-word-line poem in “Contents Under Pressure.” She is author of the chapbook What Becomes of Words.

Mystery and non-fiction writer Vicki Stiefel shows techniques for writing a compelling narrative in “How Disastrous is Your Adventure?” Co-director with her husband, novelist William Tapply, of the Writers Studio at Chickadee Farm, she is author of four novels of suspense featuring homicide counselor Tally Whyte.

Award-winning film author and director Alfred Thomas Catalfo will show his latest short film, “Ear Whacks,” and take participants through the steps of writing and producing the short film. All conference participants are invited to view “The Norman Rockwell Code,” his award-winning spoof of “The DaVinci Code,” which was selected for the Library of Congress film collection.

Registrations postmarked by May 1 are $40 for first-time conference participants; $45 Early Registration (SWA member); and $60 Early Registration (nonmember). Registrations postmarked after May 1 are $55 for SWA members and $70 for non-members. Fees include a continental breakfast and the buffet lunch. Participants needing assistance may bring an aide for the cost of lunch, $18.

For further information and a registration form, go to www.seacoastwritersassociation.org or contact registrar, Michael Wade by email or by phone, 603-778-8182.

Senior Show and Reading, April 6

2009-04-06T10:22:00.015-04:00

The second round of senior projects for the class of 2009 will be featured beginning Monday, April 6. The gallery will feature the work of artists Amanda Prue, Jeff Traynor, Emily Brochu and Joe Brown. The opening reception for the exhibition will be on Wednesday, April 8, from 7 to 9 pm at Wadleigh Library. Readings by Jeff Metcho, Laura Spencer and Maggie Hatfield will begin at 8 pm in the conference room adjacent to the gallery.

Tattoo by Amanda Prue.
Prue will be presenting “The Art of Tattoo,” an exhibition of tattoo “flash” art and art on skin, including designs and photographs of some of her work. Also attending will be recipients of Prue’s tattoos, showing off the work live.

by Jeff Traynor
Traynor’s show, “Four Years of Design,” is a collection of his graphic design work, specifically consisting of “three re-branded identities ... from local businesses.” The work includes business cards, letterheads, t-shirts, and vehicle signage.

by Emily Brochu
Brochu’s exhibition, “Character + Creativity,” is presented as a summary collection of graphic design work illustrating the four years of education she has received.

by Joe Brown.
“Hardcore Thanatos,” Brown’s exhibition, will consist of artistic photographs of roadkill.

The senior project gallery opening on April 8 will feature readings by graduating students Jeff Metcho, Laura Spencer and Maggie Hatfield.

Metcho will be reading from Like Gravity Falling Up, his novella. “I’ve been told that it reminds people of Nan Goldin’s photography,” he says of the piece. “I don’t know if that’s founded or not.”

Excerpt from Like Gravity Falling Up by Jeff Metcho:

“The walls were chipped and the bar was soaked and if the lights were any brighter you’d see some really suspect stains everywhere. The music was so loud that it seemed like it was trying to compensate for it being so bad. I could tell that Jade loved it here. It got her all goofed-up inside. Jade was the kind of girl that felt most at home in a place that would make most people feel dirty. It was a filthy and skeezy disco and she would not have wanted it any other way. I’d only known her for a few days and I could tell that about her. I don’t know why, I just can. I can tell things about people. It’s in the way that they walk and talk. It’s in the way that they dance.”

The Other Son is a collection of poetry in sections, written through the eyes of the different characters presented. Spencer will be reading excerpts from the work. She has used the opportunity as a chance to explore a less personal, and more character driven style of writing.

“So Let it Go,” from The Other Son by Laura Spencer:

So Let it Go

I tried to call you last night
but my fingers were tasteless.
The numbers were full of falsehoods
my throat, unarmed.

I tried to call you but day
made me worry that you really
never existed.
That my ready reading,
hollowed head,
tall tendencies,
and ineffable indifferences
made me lose sight.

Plus, the phone booth
was taken by a man with black eyes.
His hands dirty, pulse unknown,
lips chapped and filled with words.

He reminded me of you.

Hatfield will be presenting work from her currently untitled manuscript. Her work can be described as an eclectic, weird slam-style of poetic word constructions. “Word salad,” she says, jokingly, “which would be good if you covered it in ranch dressing.” She also writes fiction.

From “reconciliation poem.” by Maggie Hatfield:

“I’ve got a book of yellow poetry under my pillow with a cannon on the front,
manned by a typewriter.
The cold’s seepin’ into my fingers while I sit up late with these words I will never have the pleasure of knowing personally.
They’re clutchin’ tight to my chest in lamp light,
sneakin’ in and inching past my ribs, screaming admittance loud like a flash bang,
and though I give it readily,
it ain’t never enough to keep me satisfied.”

The gallery opening begins at 7 pm on April 8 in Wadleigh Library at Chester College of New England. Readings will commence at 8 pm in the Wadleigh conference room, adjacent to the gallery.

First Senior Exhibition Review

2009-04-03T11:28:00.004-04:00

by Lisa Pike

The first Senior Show of 2009, featuring work by Krystle Belanger, Jesse Cloutier, Jessica Eastman, Sarah Izatt, is a whirlwind of experiences from the natural, fashion, travel, memoir and philosophic worlds. The pieces are very good examples of the art of the Chester College community, being both unique and skillfully constructed in their individual messages.

Krystle Belanger’s black and white manipulated photographs, cumulatively called “I’ll Remember You…,” are reminiscent of antique postcards yet with a modern twist; two images were spliced together to create ghostly apparitions of the places she visited while in Florence, Italy. These apparitions act as a focal point of each piece, drawing the viewer into the place and the narrative that is being told in the surroundings. The audio track which plays alongside the pieces syncs perfectly with the portrayal of the city and allows for the images to become three-dimensional in nature, enveloping the viewer in Belanger’s whirlwind of experiences while abroad. The audio, lighting, and composition of the pieces all adds to the achievement of the piece in transporting the viewer into a different time and place.

Jesse Cloutier’s natural found object pieces collectively entitled “Silent and Very Slowly Growing” also employ a muted color palette of grays, blacks, and whites, but also have bursts of color in the form of preserved insects and tinted glass within a number of pieces. When looking at the work one can’t help but remember their younger days of exploring the woods and realizing everything natural was a treasure. Cloutier has translated this most astutely in his work by using the dried husks of dead grasshoppers and bees as well as the unraveled paper of abandoned wasps' nests, in essence creating a wonderland of childhood delights. Some of the most impressive pieces of the installation are the photopolymer intaglio prints on wasp nest paper, considering how fragile the nests are and the demand it must have taken to achieve the best end results. The other piece which caught many viewers’ attentions is the found sculpture centered on the floor of the installation area, a mixed media piece reminiscent of sea glass in the light yet blended with mechanical and constructional elements of gears and cement; alas nature meets industry but still lives in harmony.

Jessica Eastman’s digitally manipulated photographs, entitled “Raw,” show a darker side of her life, not often seen in her positive, energetic personality. The pieces consist of a mélange of images, which in turn each tell a part of the larger narrative summarized in one sentence below each piece. The sentences are left for interpretation through the viewer’s emotional response to the accompanying images. Many of the images are quite visceral and gut wrenching, realizing the tremendous impact upon the artist’s life and how she can tragically sum it up in one sentence while the images speak volumes and could write a book. The most riveting piece of the installation is the final image in the series, consisting of only a blurred, almost warped, face pressed up against glass and the simple statement of her pleading for protection from her ex-boyfriend. The image elicits great emotion in that it is almost inhuman in form, showing the intensity of the memory and its impact upon her life to the extent that she still can’t see it clearly.

Sarah Izatt’s model-based photography creates a very interesting dynamic with its hanging installation. Each photo-prism, when viewed at a certain angle, forms a triptych with the other photo-prisms, creating a larger image of the same model in varying positions and lighting. The positioning and use of color on and surrounding the models helped to create a seductive allure to the pieces, which makes them much more than just fashion photography. The emphasis on the models rather than the clothing makes the pieces much more relatable and enjoyable instead of the usually stiff fashion photography which is the standard in the fashion world.

Steph Libby and Blake Lagasse read work from their senior projects at the opening on April 1.

Steph Libby's manuscript, She Is There, is a collection of fiction and poetry. She read from one of the fiction sections of the manuscript, concerning a young woman meeting up with a couple of wanderers and their adventures together. Her main character, the young woman, remains an enigma to the reader, never saying who she is but is willing to share her life experiences and philosophies. Her syntax and diction have a poetic flow, crafting very tangible imagery and the characters’ internal thoughts. The wanderers she meets up with soon become very three-dimensional and relatable to the reader while the main character remains somewhat two-dimensional because she does not yet know who she is herself. Libby paints a striking portrait of a girl lost and trying to find herself in the lives of other people.

Blake Lagasse read a short story entitled “The Caretaker” which portrays the all too tragic situation of grown children abandoning their elderly parents because they are too wrapped up in their own lives of consumerism and capitalism. The main character, a young caretaker, is an exception to this conformity in that he is stuck in his life and feels he must take care of others to have some feeling of fulfillment. The secondary character, Harold, the caretaker’s patient, is painted as a miserable old man at first but the reader soon comes to love him for his comical quips and pity him for his tragic view of life after his wife’s death. Lagasse does a stellar job of portraying the many types of love in this story and the degrees to which they are life changing to every person connected.

The night was an utter success for everyone presenting their final works. There are still more receptions to come, so be sure to check back here at the SO Good blog or the Chester College of New England website for dates and times of upcoming senior shows and who will be exhibiting and reading.

Senior Shows & Readings Continue

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Work by Chester College of New England's Class of 2009 will be featured in a series of exhibitions and readings in Wadleigh Library continuing through May 4. All exhibitions will run Monday through Sunday with opening receptions held from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, with readings beginning at 8 p.m.

The first show, featuring work by Krystle Belanger, Jesse Cloutier, Jessica Eastman, and Sarah Izatt, will continue through Sunday, April 5. The second show, featuring work by Emily Brochu, Joe Brown, Amanda Prue and Jeff Traynor, begins on Monday, April 6. Maggie Hatfield, Jeff Metcho, and Laura Spencer will read at the opening reception on Wednesday, April 8 at 8 p.m.

Keep checking back for more information as the senior shows continue, including interviews with the artists and writers.

Work by Faculty Member Included in Gallery X Exhibit

2009-04-03T10:27:00.000-04:00

Two paintings by Christina Renfer, a member of the Chester College of New England Interdisciplinary and Fine Arts faculty, will be included in a juried exhibition called About-Face: Contemporary Figurative Portraiture at Gallery X in New Bedford, MA. The show will run from April 8 to May 3 with an opening reception Saturday, April 11, from 7-10 p.m.