Opening reception for Wolfeboro water color painter to be held July 16

WOLFEBORO — A gallery show of original watercolors by Wolfeboro artist Helene Pierce will be opening with a reception on July 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Art Place in downtown Wolfeboro.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1930, Helene Pierce knew from the very first time she could hold a crayon that art was what she wanted to do. In school, she continued to shine with her art, and was encouraged to take art classes. Knowing that it was difficult to make a living in the field of art, she chose a different career path. However, she did take a number of workshops and studied art on her own, all the time improving her skills. A family kept her life very busy, but when her youngest child was in high school, Helene decided it was her time to paint. She studied with Betty Lou Schlemm, who is a member of the American Watercolor Society and a published artist. Helene also took classes at UNH with Sigmand Abeles, a well-known artist and professor.

Helene came to Amherst, New Hampshire due to her husband's job change. In 1991, they moved to Wolfeboro. Helene still travels to Rockport, Massachusetts, where she paints every Tuesday with a group of artists including her long-time teacher and friend, Schlemm.

Helene has exhibited nationally and internationally, as well as widely throughout New England. She is the recipient of numerous national and regional awards. Her work has been represented by The Art Place for over 15 years.

Helene is a prolific artist due mostly to her passion and enthusiasm to paint. In the art world, she is known as a painter's painter — an admiration by other artists of her ability to master the medium. Her medium of choice is watercolor, which she paints with fluidity and movement often choosing lush colors. Helene's aesthetically pleasing still lifes show her ability to create volume and form, as well as depicting light and shadow. Equally appealing are her landscapes, placing the viewer in a pleasant setting or creating a moment in time where time might indeed stand still. Helene has an impressive body of work that spans decades of painting. Her exhibit at The Art Place will feature her more recent accomplishments. Meet Helene at the opening reception on Saturday, July 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. The show will continue through July 30. The public is invited. Any questions, call 603 569-6159 or visit www.theartplace.biz.