A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.

~ Salvadore Dali

The following pages are an exploration of 22 creative individuals who have chosen to embrace their inner voice that urges them to create and express in their own unique way. This year’s roster of established artists spans a wide swath of mediums and styles. We have stories of individuals like Amy Heller who has spent her life exploring new ways and methods to create art. Erna Partoll is in her tenth decade of life and her contemporary expressions are as fresh as can be. Yukimi Matsumoto’s blown glass is a true intersection of her heritage and her husband’s thoughtful mentoring. Paula David found her artistic expression later in life, partially due to patient and insightful guidance from painter and gallery owner Sherry Rhyno—the added bonus: the two are close friends. Peter Kalill has had his feet firmly planted in the art world for decades, as a result, his artistic expression is an ever-evolving experience. Odin Smith takes the images we all love of the Cape and imbues them with the light and color we recognize from our own lives. Tamalin Baumgarten, the founder of the Cuttyhunk Island Artists’ Residency, makes it clear why her life is dedicated to her art.

Our cover artist, Karri Allrich, brings the emotion invested in her paintings’ brave impasto technique to the brink of the viewer’s experience. Phyllis Dobbyn Adams communicates her view of the world through her whimsical take on everyday scenes. Neil McAuliffe paints recognizable New England scenes in oil with such clarity, they look life-like. Cynthia Cruz expresses her grateful and sweet nature through the attention she affords each of her paintings. Carol Bennett has reconceptualized the ground for her paintings with very interesting results. Claire Kendrick was acknowledged by Anne Packard early in her career, a moment that has influenced her formidable path forward. Nick Heaney also learned from a mentor, Steve Lyons. Today he carries on in Lyons’ reimagined gallery in Chatham, Artnova. Arthur Egeli had his own venerable influences—his own family of distinguished artists, as well as Sam Barber and Henry Hensche.

Watercolorist Andrew Kusmin has found a second career in his painting, and credits his twin sister with invaluable feedback that will live with him forever. Julia Felsenthal also loves watercolor and says it is at the core of her creative process. Jessica Hicks has chosen precious gems and metals as her medium as she designs jewelry on Nantucket. Jackie Reeves’ mediums are as unexpected and varied as her subjects. Kyle Ringquist paints backwards—on glass, yet his images are all about moving forward. Sculptor Joyce Utting Schutter imagines other-worldly flora and fauna in her intricate pieces. Alla Zbinovsky easily maneuvers her way through a variety of subjects and techniques to arrive at an eclectic body of intriguing work.

Enjoy, these captivating individuals truly have something to offer everyone! 

~ Julie Craven Wagner