University of New England

'On Island: Women Artists of Monhegan'
July 26 - Sept. 23, 2007

Norma Kaplis, 'Green Vase'

Daphne Pulsifer, 'Manana'

Conversation with the Artists
Thursday, July 26
4:00 - 5:00  p.m.

Poetry Program
Thursday, Sept. 6
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
More information


The Exhibition
"On Island: Women Artists of Monhegan" features works by 36 women artists who capture the essence of Monhegan Island and its role in the history of American fine art. There is a powerful sense of place, from dramatic, swift changes in light, color and nuance, to giant cliffs, swirling tide pools, and rocks that come in all sizes and hues, as well as island life and people. 

These artists represent as diverse a mix as you can imagine on a small island, less than a mile wide and two miles long. Ranging in age from young to venerable, their art covers the most recent 50 years on an island that has attracted artists since the 1850's. Some are part of the traditional year-round fishing community and meet through the long winters for weekly life drawing, often with islanders as models. Others are regular summer residents from New York or beyond who have formed an association to show work and exchange ideas. Both groups maintain the open studio tradition of the island.

The exhibition includes work from Ruth Boynton, Lynne Drexler, Jacqueline Hudson, Jan McCartin, Sue Rosenthal, Jo Levy, Sylvia Alberts, Dyan Berk, Nancy Thompson Brown (N.T. Brown), Kate Cheney Chappell, Yolanda Fusco, Elena Jahn, Frances Kornbluth, Lucia Miller, Sylvia Murdock, Frankie Odom, Joan Rappaport, Elaine Reed, Joanne Scott, Arline Simon, Beth Van Houten, Alice Boynton, Corlis Carroll, Donna Cundy, Susan Gilbert, Joan Harlow, Alison Hill, Norma Kaplis, Maiken Kunces, Nita Minewski, Victoria Nelson, Helen Prince, Daphne Pulsifer, Sandra Mason Dickson, Carol Raybin and Florence Taylor Martin.

On Island is an exploration of the sense and sensibility of a place through a woman's eye and a diversity of styles, subjects, and media. Whether established or emerging, celebrated or as yet unknown, each of these artists demonstrates the importance of creativity's sources in producing art that matters.

Download an "On Island" poster