New exhibit celebrates the magic of winter’s first snow at the MWV Arts Association Gallery
There’s no better place to experience the playful spirit of winter than America’s 2024 #1 Best Ski Town. For the first exhibit of the new year, “First Snow,” the artists of the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association were asked to capture the feeling when those first flakes start falling— the inevitable spark of “snow day” energy and the stillness and peace that follow— and they have delivered.
Just off the main street of North Conway Village in Norcross Circle, the association’s cozy art gallery is tucked between Sawyer River Knife & Trading Co. and Nancy’s Alterations. The gallery holds treasures from more than two dozen different local and regional artists that span across a variety of mediums— from Sandi Poor’s whimsical watercolors to Laura Guptill’s elegant silver jewelry and Barbara Anderson’s adorable clay critter creations.
Resident artists participating in the exhibit include Don Gemmecke (acrylic), Rosemary Gerbutavich (watercolor), John Girouard (mixed media— “stained plastic arts”), Bob Grant (photography), Isaac Rader (digital art & drawing), Lori Stearns (oil), Fabiana Walsh (acrylic), and Matt Wheeler (photography).
Matt Wheeler is a photographer and the recently installed vice president of the arts association board of trustees. About his work Wheeler says, “as a hiker, I have discovered that the world has opened up to a whole other realm of beautiful places and things.” Through his photography, Wheeler prioritizes capturing the authenticity of a place “as it is” by using minimal post-processing techniques.
Knowing that the title of a painting may influence its viewer, resident artist Don Gemmecke chooses to leave his works untitled—apart from the date the painting was created. Gemmecke’s works feature the dramatic atmospheric light that turns our winter landscapes golden and glittering. His ability to capture a precise moment in time isn’t surprising considering his experience as a photographer for many years before discovering his affinity for painting.
The Mini Masterpieces Collection continues to be on display in the residents’ room. Each 8”x8” piece is just $90 and helps raise money for the arts association operating budget. Selecting a piece from this collection is the perfect way to take home some affordable art and support the arts association. There are so many gorgeous options to choose from.
The Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association has been promoting the arts in our community since the 1960s through events, classes, and the annual Art in the Park fine art festival. The association’s gallery is open year-round at 16 Norcross Circle (behind the new Cheese Louise), Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with additional hours during the holidays and summer seasons. The 53rd Annual Art in the Park will be October 11 & 12, 2025 in Schouler Park.
The arts association is proud to welcome new artists and art-loving volunteers on a rolling basis. To learn more, follow @mwvarts on social media, or call (603) 356-2787.
