Upcoming Art Exhibit & Reception
Paintings by Finnish artist Aaron Helo on display January 4-30. Artist reception on Saturday, January 6, 2-4pm.
Aaron Helo Art Exhibit
January 4-30
Artist Reception, Saturday, January 6, 2-4pm
Creative inspiration belongs alongside delicious lobsters and world-class kayaking on any list of what makes the Maine coast famous. It’s not hard to see why: its ever-changing skies, waters, and landscapes beg to be photographed, painted, drawn, or written. Aaron Helo instinctively recognized our island’s potential for creative output when he first visited in 2019, and he returns this winter from Finland to mount an installation at Stonington Public Library, January 4-30. He will host an artist reception on Saturday, January 6, 2-4pm.
Aaron Helo is a Finnish painter and the Director of Taidepappila Art Center in the Pirkanmaa region, located two hours north of Helsinki. His recent paintings from 2023 and some of his older artwork are on display at Stonington Library this January. Besides painting, Helo is interested in Latin American art and culture, as well as art education and the use of the visual arts and music to build community. Organizing cultural events is also an important part of his current life.
”I am often moved to paint visually interesting scenes from movies, and am particularly inspired by the color preferences of indigenous peoples, represented in their clothing, artwork, poems, stories, and vocabulary. Canvas is a natural base for my painting, and I have increasingly preferred acrylic colors. They dry quickly and I can implement spontaneous solutions and easily change the direction of the painting. I try to avoid clear, recognizable shapes and trust that the viewers of the painting, themselves, can respond to my color choices and perhaps create their own story while observing the painting. Three-dimensionality and depth perception are not as important to me. On the contrary, I strive to paint stimulating components of a canvas that register easily with the viewer—much like in writing fiction, a short sentence can be very effective."
On his first visit to Maine four years ago, Aaron was impressed by the natural beauty, its fishing culture and the traditional way of living, and the warm, friendly people who live here. He was also enchanted by the similarities between Maine and coastal Finland, and he vowed to return to Maine whenever possible. He wasn't surprised that Maine and Deer Isle have attracted other Nordic people who are inspired to visit and make art here.
Island Artist Group Exhibit 2024
SPL invites island artists—all ages, all media, all levels—to participate in the third annual island artist group exhibit, February 6 to April 20. SPL will host an opening reception on Saturday, February 10, 2-4pm. Unlike previous years, the 2024 exhibit is without a theme, and artists can submit the artwork they wish to present to the public. Participating artists can submit up to two pieces, and SPL will exhibit a second piece by artists as the space allows. We encourage artists to register online.
Submissions can be delivered to SPL during library hours the week of January 30. Artists who are unable to deliver artwork during that window can email stonington.public.library@gmail.com to make other arrangements.
SPL Book Club 2024: Food & Fiction
SPL’s 2024 book club theme is Food & Fiction. You can help choose the final 2 or 3 titles that make the list. Take the online poll here. You can judge the books by any criteria. You even have permission to judge them by their covers. The full 2024 book club schedule and list of titles will be announced the week of January 9.
Wanna join the book club mailing list? Let us know in an email: stonington.public.library@gmail.com. All readers welcome!
Til 2024…
See you in the New Year! Wishing all a peaceful 2024 filled with great reads!