What a great way to kick off the season! A spectacular day—bright and sunny—really brings out the art lovers. This weekend kicks off the 2005 ArtShow season, and today was a busy day in Amherst.

Crowds from all over New England, New York and and even some license plates from the midwest were seen making their way along the busy streets of Amherst.

ArtShow Director Mark Lambert was up early, overseeing the tent crew and greeting the artists as they arrived. And arrive they did, cars and vans filled to the brim with art, and the necessary gear to display it properly, including easels and stands, picnic baskets and coolers with cool things to drink, and other equipment. Painter John Hung Ha brought his giant yellow paintings of fish and several large wooden easels, taking up most of the cobblestone courtyard of the Unitarian Church in the process.

Stephen Lussier, "Mr. Phlo" from Rochester, NY brought his green dayglow I-beam sculpture and set about decorating his exhibition of photograhy and other mixed-media pieces with his trademark flourescent green tape, cards and banners.

Stone sculptor Boris Ourlicht, of Great Neck, NY shared an exhibition tent with his professional artist daughter Laurie Ourlicht, of Brooklyn, NY. You can see Lauries' beautiful mixed-media drawings, paintings and prints depicting tropical themes and Boris' intriguing polished alabaster, stone, and steel sculptures at tent number 14.

Come on out if you haven't already and enjoy the art, speak with the artists, and bring something home with you to brighten that empty wall in your guestroom! The ArtShow in Amherst runs through Sunday, May 29th. The next series of street exhibitions this summer begins June 11th in Pittsfield, MA. For  a full exhibition schedule, visit our Exhibitions page.

See the Tent Map >>