An Artistic Celebration of Beebe Woods

By: iO Staff, September 26, 2012

Historic Highfield, in conjunction with The 300 Committee, present two new exhibitions at Highfield Hall in celebration of Beebe Woods through November 16.

“The Intimate Woods, which opened September 19, and “Beebe Woods: The Trail Leads to Our Door,” are inspired by the flora, fauna and intimate details of the 387-acre nature preserve surrounding Highfield Hall.

An opening reception for both exhibitions will take place on Friday, September 28, from 5 to 7 PM. The exhibition’s curator, Annie Dean, will be on hand to provide an overview of the theme and its importance to Highfield Hall. Several of the participating artists will also be available to answer questions and talk about their works.

“The Intimate Woods” features the work of ten regional fiber artists, including Falmouth residents Salley Mavor, Helen Koehler and Joyce Shutter. The artists’ creative interpretations of the natural world are enlivened by a wide range of media, from handmade papers, felting, beadwork and collage to various forms of fine needlework.

Other artists included in the exhibition are Dean, Wendy Bagley, Bobbi, Bailin, Linda Gallagher, Donna Maness, Elin Noble, Jane Parhiala, Carol Vincent and Stephanie Staltare.

“The Trail Leads to Our Door” explores the botanical beauty, geology and human history of Beebe Woods as interpreted in new work by established artists, including sculptor Ben Silva of Falmouth and visual artist Erica Adams of Mashpee. Pieces range from intricate needlework to large-scale sculpture.

The public reception will celebrate Beebe Woods through music and literature in addition to the visual arts. Cape Cod jazz musician Mike Garvan will play Highfield’s Mason & Hamlin concert grand piano. A poetry reading accompanied by a complimentary handmade poetry booklet will also be featured, with welcoming remarks by staff from Historic Highfield and The 300 Committee.

There will also be complimentary beverages along with light refreshments provided by the Casual Gourmet. The Beebe Woods exhibitions and celebration have been made possible in part by support from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Trust.