About the Exhibition
This exhibition was inspired by the work of Swiss artist, Sophie Taeuber-Arp. OpArt classes looked at several of her paintings, textiles, and sculptures, and discussed her expert use of color and shape to create beautiful abstract designs. Sophie was part of an art movement that celebrated abstraction and created works that were equal parts optimistic and powerful in a variety of media.
OpArt artists sketched designs with a focus on shape, pattern, and line to develop their own compositions. These compositions were then drawn in oil pastels, painted on canvas, and finally expressed in collage form. Using simple shapes and colors, like Sophie Taeuber-Arp, these OpArt artists have created a uniquely complex and joyful collection of works.
You can come meet the artists behind this inspirational show at a reception on April 28 from 11:00am-1:00pm!
About OpArt
The OpArt program, founded in 2004, is a partnership between the Newburyport Art Association and Opportunity Works, with a mission to encourage and support individuals with disabilities to fulfill their life ambitions through the creative process. OpArt provides participating artists with artistic training to professionally create, exhibit, and market their artwork. The program is managed by Jenna Signore and Michele Champion, with volunteer assistance from Michelle Gray, Christine Molitor Johnson, Susan Leck, and Tara McQuaid.
OpArt is dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities to enrich their lives through creative expression and artistic practice by providing art instruction in a variety of mediums and techniques. Open studio sessions are held weekly at the Haverhill and Newburyport Opportunity Works locations. Artists are encouraged to work freely with materials offered (paint pastels, collage, drawing, sculpture, etc.) to create artwork centered on a particular theme or work independently. All forms of expression are encouraged, and the result is artwork that is unique, vibrant, and innovative.
Local community partners include The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, The Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation, The Provident Bank Community Foundation, and Matter Communications.
