Squam Rivers Studios holds first public art opening on June 11

Artist Shani McLane welcomes visitors on June 11 for art exhibition featuring works on paper and glass.

ASHLAND — International artist Shani McLane will welcome the public for an art exhibition opening at Squam River Studios, 32 Main Street, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. Chris White’s acoustic duo will perform live music, and refreshments will be provided. The opening also represents the first time the Squam River Studios has been open to the public since its renovation in 2014.

A print, glass and textile artist, McLane is passionate about educating and producing work based on climate change and the impact it has on future generations. The work in the exhibition was inspired by her time as artist in residence for the Arctic Circle witnessing the Global Seed Vault in Longyearben, Svalbard, Norway — the northernmost town on the planet.

“This experience changed my work dramatically,” McLane said. “I started to focus primarily on the importance of growth and protection of natural resources. The works I will be showing are silk screen prints on paper and glass that all indirectly interpret the importance of the Global Seed Vault and aesthetically are inspired by my Scandinavian heritage.”

Located in the former Ashland Savings Bank, Squam River Studios was renovated by McLane, her husband, Ben, and friend, Dave Clark, along with local contractors into a working art studio and teaching space. The stunning renovation earned the 2014 Preservation Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.

To learn more about Shani McLane’s artwork, visit her website at www.shanimclane.com.