By Elemental: Debra Claffey, Patricia Gerkin, Donna Hamil Talman and Charyl Weissbach at the Grimshaw Gudewicz Gallery in Fall River, MA. September 7- October 19, 2023

“The art comes from our appreciation of nature and our concern about the way we humans are damaging the Earth. We focus on biological approaches that can help restore the Earth. We hope viewing the exhibition will inspire people to take greater care.” Donna Hamil Talman

This show is breathtaking!

Located at Bristol Community College in Fall River, this show is hung beautifully in the Grimshaw Gudewicz Gallery. The pieces of Debra Claffey and Donna Hamil Talman hang from the vaulted ceiling and are lit by the natural light above. Deb Claffey’s tubes are sensuous. For all their apparent weight they hang lightly. The lines and layers create depth and remind me of vines growing in a dense jungle. She is a master of mark-making.

Pat Gerkin’s and Donna Hamil Talman’s sculptures intersperse with the hangings. Donna has an interactive wall piece that encourages visitors to pledge one thing to do for the environment. Plastic detergent bottle scraps, pens, and tape are available to affix your pledge to the sea turtle outline on the wall.

 All four artists, including Charyl Weissbach, have large paintings spaciously arranged. All the work reads well from near and far. 

The work all spoke to the loss of nature and our negative impact on our one earth. Charyl’s concern for the death of coral; Pat’s rising tide sculptures; Donna’s use of fungus blocks as substrates vs. wood or plastic; and Debra’s compelling leaf forms are often partially obscured. All the work shared a common message but not in a dire way. I felt a sense of hope and a reminder to be more assertive in making good choices as a citizen of Earth. 

Written by New England Wax member Lelia Stokes Weinstein.

Grimshaw Gudewicz Gallery, Bristol Community College, 77 Elsbree St. Fall River, MA.

Gallery hours: M-TH 10-4, Fri 10-1