Opening reception 12:00-2:00pm

Join Next Stage Arts for the opening reception of "Of Field and Feathers," a new exhibition by Townshend artist Lydia Thomson, whose drawings and paintings take their subjects from the fields, hills, and roadsides surrounding her home on Deer Ridge Farm.

Working lately with natural inks, walnut and indigo, Thomson observes the Southern Vermont landscape as it shifts through the seasons, finding an unexpected loveliness in the weeds that grow along its edges. In works such as Roadside Swath #3 and Timothy, she pairs these inks with graphite to trace quiet, often overlooked corners of the land.

The exhibition also reflects a newer fascination: birds. Thomson calls it “a late-in-life fascination with what has been around all along,” and pieces like Eastern Screech Owl #2 show her practice of finally paying attention, which for her is best done through drawing and painting.

An artist and teacher, Thomson has spent 35 years at River Gallery School in Brattleboro, a nonprofit art school founded 50 years ago on the belief that each of us has an inherent desire and ability to be creative. Since retiring as Artistic Director, she has continued teaching, grateful for the opportunity to work with people exploring their creativity.

Meet the artist, explore the exhibition, and enjoy light refreshments as we celebrate the opening of this attentive, seasonal collection.

This show will be on exhibit November 21-February 8. The Next Stage Gallery is open during events, and by appointment with the artist or by contacting Next Stage at [email protected] or (802) 387-0102.