November’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Pamela Wichelns’ Landscapes and Creatures

This month, we are delighted to host a display of oil paintings by Londonderry’s own Pamela Wichelns at the Leach Library. In this set of lovingly framed original works, explore Pam’s perspective on the beauty and wonder of nature. Pam’s use of colors and gentle portrayals of creatures and landscapes great and small brighten the cold and dark nights of New Hampshire’s winter. 

Check out Pam’s works on easels along the perimeter of the library anytime during open hours.

Pamela Wichelns’ exhibit at the Leach Library runs November 1-30, 2023

A Local Multi-Talented Artist

Pam is a talented artist from Londonderry. A lifelong resident, she has often looked for inspiration within the area farms and orchards. Her love of surroundings and animals shows through her work. She began honing her skills at a young age and has spent her life engaging with the local artist community to grow and develop her skills further. At a young age, she received accolades and awards and developed a lifelong passion for painting. In addition to painting, Pam is also a talented jewelry designer and cake decorator and enjoys spending time with family and friends looking for new inspiration.

by Pamela Wichelns

Apply to Display Your Work

The Londonderry Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We currently have openings for most months in 2024. Check out more information here and apply here. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums.

by Pamela Wichelns

October’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Craig O’Neill’s Whimsical Scenes of Memory

Stop into the Leach Library this month to view Craig O’Neill’s large bright oil paintings depicting his dreamy artistic vision that honors and prolongs memory. We are delighted to showcase nine of his original works throughout the library. Stop in anytime during the library’s open hours to check them out for yourself.

“Garden Party” by Craig O’Neill

A Well-Established Artistic Practice

Craig has been painting since he was 8 years old. Originally from New York City, he studied at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League, and an arts high school. In Boston, he studied with Pamela Sienna, Paul Rahilly at Mass Art and David Andrus. His first love is oil painting and also works in pastel, watercolor and pen and ink. His main subjects are portraits, figures, landscapes and interiors. He paints mainly in a realistic manner with a good deal of movement in his compositions which often tell a story. He has shown at Cutter Gallery, the Stove Factory Gallery in Charlestown, Cambridge Adult Education Center, and various libraries.

“Reggie Ascending” by Craig O’Neill

Prolonging Memory Through Art

Craig gave us a glimpse into his artistic practice:

I love to paint in oils and try to start at least two paintings a week both in the studio and outdoors. I paint portraits, figures, landscapes and interiors. My theme is “multiple realities.” which can include family members who have passed away. Recently, I have been including family members and pets who passed away in some of my paintings in a series of “Visitations”. It is a great opportunity to prolong the memory of those we have cared about and who have been part of our lives. My paintings tend to be realistic with some elements of abstraction due to a lot of movement in them. I use a lot of bright colors. Although I tend to paint very quickly I sometimes let the painting stand for several days and let it tell me what else needs to be done. I also like to have views of interiors and exteriors in the same painting. Some influences include Sorolla, George Bellows, Jane Freilicher, Sargent, some impressionists and expressionists. There is a huge treasury of images that inspires me as well as what I see around me.

If you’d like to get in touch with Craig, send us a note using the contact form below and we’ll route your inquiry. And be sure to stop into the Leach Library to view his work through October 31!

“Let there be light!” by Craig O’Neill

Display Your Work

The Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums. We are accepting submissions for all months in 2024 except March and October.

“Yellow Roses” by Craig O’Neill

August’s Featured Artist Spotlight: Oil Paintings by Joshua Fitzpatrick

This month, LAC and the Leach Library are featuring an exhibit of nine oil paintings by Joshua Fitzpatrick, an 18 year-old artist from Londonderry. Josh’s original work meanders from the local to the galactic, and shows a wonderful use of color and curiosity about the world and universe. Stop in through the month of August to view Josh’s original work displayed on easels at the entrance to the library and in the reading alcoves around the perimeter.

Londonderry artist Joshua Fitzpatrick displays at the Leach Library Aug. 1-31, 2023

A LOVE FOR ART AT AN EARLY AGE

Josh shared his journey as an artist with us:

From scribbles on preschool papers to bathtime art with shaving cream, Josh started his creative career young. Art let him put his busy thoughts somewhere physical, and to hold them down.

In 2016 at age 11, Josh randomly decided he wanted to paint. Therefore, he asked his mom to find him a teacher for oil painting. Then, for the next 7 years, Josh developed his painting skills under various teachers, as well as on his own at home. Among his favorite subjects to paint were landscapes, and paintings of the night sky. As he continues to paint into the future, Josh hopes to further hone his skill and to spread his artwork to others.

We hope you’ll stop by during the Leach Library’s open hours and check out Josh’s art! His exhibit also displays his contact info where you can get in touch about his work (or send us a message through our contact form at the bottom of this page and we’ll put you in touch!)

DISPLAY YOUR WORK

The Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums. Please note all months in 2023 are filled up but we are accepting submissions for 2024.

Our very own Mack’s Orchards as painted by Josh Fitzpatrick