NH Antique Co-op welcomes spring with “In Full Bloom” art exhibition
By Mya Blanchard
The sun is out, the snow is melting and flowers will soon be sprouting with spring now upon us. New Hampshire Antique Co-op in Milford is ringing in the season with the “In Full Bloom” art exhibition, which will be on display through Aug. 31.
Co-owner Jason Hackler described the March 24 opening celebration as a “garden style party,” with cucumber sandwiches, Champagne and lemonade. The family-owned antique shop has been hosting art exhibitions since 2007, with “In Full Bloom” being its latest.
“As New Hampshire Antique Co-op is now in its 40th year in business, we decided [it would] be perfect to do a show to celebrate the spring and summer seasons, symbolizing continued growth,” Hackler said. “The show is … an exhibition on paintings of floral still lifes and garden landscapes … done from the 17th century all the way up to the present.”
Some of the artists whose works are on display at the exhibition include German still life painter Adelheid Dietrich, Emil Carlsen, New Hampshire native Lilla Cabot Perry, a neighbor and friend of Claude Monet, as well as Laura van Pappelendam.
“These are works directly from [van Pappelendam’s] estate, which is really cool,” Hackler said. “There’s some really great, bright floral landscapes and still lifes as part of her works and these are the first time some of [them] have been offered.”
A total of 12 of van Pappelendam’s paintings are on display, one of which is hung on her own personal easel.
In addition to the impressionist-era paintings, contemporary artists will also have their work on display. One such artist is Carol Robey. After retiring from working in pediatrics, Robey began studying under Paul Ingbretson, an artist who learned from The Boston School, a group of painters in Boston during the 20th century.
“What they did, which I love, [was add] impressionist color more to the standard representational art and [made] it more interesting that way,” Robey said.
Robey’s attraction to painting still lifes and floral pieces stems from her interest in gardening.
“As a doctor, I did a lot of science and I actually studied a lot of botany in college,” she said. “I love being able to get the … correct details of a flower, for example, so that … a person who’s looking at it will recognize what it is, [while] at the same time … making it beautiful, so I have to … make it expressive as well as accurate.”
Robey, a friend of Hackler’s, was ecstatic when he asked her to be a part of the show.
“Emil Carlsen and Marguerite Pearson are two of my absolute favorites, so to be among them is absolutely a huge honor,” she said.
The “In Full Bloom” exhibition invokes a fresh, spring-like atmosphere.
“It’s supposed to feel light and airy, and bright and cheery,” Hackler said. “Paintings within this genre express color [and] beauty, as well as a sense of respect, awe and wonderment for nature.”
“In Full Bloom” art exhibition
Where: New Hampshire Antique Co-op, 323 Elm St., Milford
When: On display now through Aug. 31; open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More info: Visit nhantiquecoop.com
Featured photo: Courtesy photo.