For the first time, New England Wax had a show outside of New England. Right in the heart of New York City, in the Chelsea arts district at Atlantic Gallery! The show, entitled “Hive Mind” was well-received this week with special evening hours on Thursday, September 11, and the opening reception on Saturday, September 13.

Melissa Rubin & Lola Baltzell are installing the show; Melissa proudly displays our ad in the Brooklyn Rail.

Curated by Ingrid Dinter, the show included the work of 27 N.E.W. artists that share diverse ideas related to the colloquial phrase “hive mind”. Dinter, an art professional based in New York City, brings her experience as a former gallery owner, private dealer, independent curator, writer, and educator to create an exhibit that draws inspiration from the behavior of social insects, particularly honey bees, who work together to achieve mutual goals through their cooperative communal spirit and unified sense of purpose. Hive Mind highlights the potential for synergy and innovation that emerges when individuals come together to work for a common purpose. The artists of New England Wax utilize their shared interest in beeswax, both hot and cold, as an artistic medium to create thought-provoking and unique two and three-dimensional works within a broad collective context.

Suzanne Goodhart, an attendee, commented during the evening hours, “I found the show to be fresh and full of fun contradictions. I was struck by how Heather Douglas’ encaustic, shellac, and toner transfer piece “In Transit“ suggested a hectic transportation hub. It was juxtaposed with Nancy Whitcomb’s painting, which depicts two versions of a woman in recline. A diverse use of encaustic and a very different message. On another wall was Lola Baltzell’s rustic “Your Turn” (made on a salvaged vintage pool rack), complete with counting beads that look like an abacus. Next to that was Ruth Sack’s airy, elegant wall sculpture, “Unparallel”, huge palm pods encased in encaustic medium. I loved the variety and how each artist interpreted the theme in their own way.”

More images of the show are available on Instagram, Facebook, and website, or follow them on Instagram @new_england_wax.

Hive Mind is on view through Saturday, September 27, Atlantic Gallery, 548 West 28th Street, Suite 540, New York, N.Y. 10011 • Tel. 212 219-3183 Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat. 12- 6:00 p.m. Thursday 12-8 p.m.

Written by Lola Baltzell, a New England Wax member