2022 featured artists
Doug James
Doug James is a retired electrical engineer living in Westfield who received his photographic training from the New York Institute of Photography. His interest in nature photography was rekindled by the introduction of digital photography and the limitless creative control it offers from image capture to final print. His photographs have since won several awards, including a Best in Show in the North American Nature Photography Association 2016 competition. He and his wife have collaborated in publishing two children’s books highlighting his photographs and her poetry. He teaches photography at the Creative Arts Center in Westfield and some of his work can be found on his website at www.ThruDougsLens.com
Joan Nelson
Joan Nelson is an award winning artist from Western Massachusetts, working from her studio at Indian Orchard Mills and from home. She works in a variety of media- primarily EggTempera, Acrylic, and Watercolor; but will use whatever medium a subject calls for. She has exhibited in many shows, and currently has work in J.H. Miller's in West Springfield, and at Handworks in Acton. She offers classes at her studio, both for teens and adults.
Michael Melle
Michael Melle has worked in a variety of media since 1991. He travels from cityscape and country side search for materials and inspiration. He is often inspired by figures from old master paintings and building them into the natural landscape. His other works include the media of stone, marble, and straw life like sculptures. Michael has exhibits of his works around Massachusetts. http://michaelmelle.com
Debra Dunphy
Debra is an accomplished artist and art instructor who works in many styles and media including oils, colored pencil, acrylics and pastels. She is particularly well known for her work in portraiture. Dunphy has created hundreds of commissioned works and has exhibited her painting in museums and galleries throughout New England. A gifted instructor, Dunphy has taught at the Holyoke Creative Arts Center(HCAC) and holds classes in her studio at the Paper City Studios in Holyoke, MA where she enjoys teaching both adults and children. She has also taught at the Summer Institute for the Gifted at Amherst College in Amherst, MA and at the Connections After-School Program in Holyoke. Dunphy had demonstrated her painting techniques to art organizations throughout New England. Dunphy’s artistic talents extend beyond her ability to represent the human face and figure. She is a gifted landscape artist and took part in the restoration project for the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round as the commissioned muralist, painting several panels depicting Holyoke’s historical landmarks. More recently, she completed wall murals in Fratelli’s restaurant in Westfield, MA and The Tunnel Bar at Union Station in Northampton, MA. She also helped organize and participated in the MassBench project. In recent years, the scenic winter ski paintings Dunphy has created in her Vermont home are in high demand and she has cemented her reputation as one of the premier artists in southern Vermont. She is involved in many groups and organizations including the Holyoke Cultural Council and the Holyoke League of Arts and Coats, where she has served as president. She has also been a member of the Academic Artists Society www.facebook.com/dunphyartstudio
Steve Hamlin
Steve Hamlin has drawn and painted since childhood. His work reflects three life- long passions: nature, history and architecture. Over the last decade, Hamlin has become increasingly focused on wildlife painting, especially birds. He and his wife Linda travel as much as time and money allow in search of wildlife. “I use only my photographs and field experiences as primary reference material in my work. To date, our travels have been almost strictly domestic, which suits me just fine. I find interesting subject matter everywhere.” For the past five years, Hamlin has sought adult drawing and watercolors at the George Walter Vincent Art Museum Art School at the Quadrangle in Springfield, MA. Merit Memberships -Master Artist Member of the Bennington Collaborative(now defunct) -Signature Member of the Society of Animal Artists -Signature Member of the New England Watercolor Society -Signature Membership of the Northeast Watercolor Society -Elected Member of the American Artists Professional League -President of Academic Artist Association http://stevehamlinwatercolors.com