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  • "Daisies on the Farm," by Helen Wilcox Ianelli.

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August 12, 2010

Art gallery to feature three local women

Exhibit result of time spent between three female artists

By CASEY RYAN VOCK Contributing Writer

This summer's Art Show at the Helen Wilcox Ianelli Gallery is more than just a showcase of artwork by three North Country women.

It represents years of hard work, friendship and an undying interest in discovering new forms of expression through artwork.

Mercedes Light, Mary Hinsman and Helen Wilcox Ianelli have been painting together for years, getting together as often as possible -- no less than once a week -- sharing laughs, teaching one another and inspiring one another on those days when one of the three needed extra support.

And working together so frequently in a three-room studio in Plattsburgh, the trio have formed a bond through their artwork, which is now on display at the Plattsburgh Public Library.

"You have to be motivated to paint by yourself," Light says. "It's nice to get together with Mary and Helen. They keep me going, and of course we have a little bit of fun along the way."

The three women have contrasting personalities that complement each other, creating a productive work environment that fosters creativity.

"Although we get together each week, we do paint very differently," says Light, who prefers to work mainly with watercolors, although she enjoys experimenting with various media.

"It's the transparency and softness of the watercolors that I like. You can combine it with different media, watercolor with pastels, oils or colored pencils. There's no end to what you can try.

"Sometimes I do experimental things. It just depends on how I feel that day."

Light, who was a registered nurse at CVPH Medical Center for 20 years, has taken workshops with numerous nationally recognized artists, including Don Goetz, William "Skip" Lawrence and Zoltan Szabo.

When collaborating to present a gallery of work, artists must be compatible, Light says.

"Some people have egos, but Mary and Helen don't. They are very accommodating, and we agree on everything."

Hinsman, who studied ceramics in college but always had a passion for portraiture, says the women have helped each other through the challenges of being an artist.

"Some days the paintings do not happen, and their suggestions get me out of trouble and back on track," she says.

Hinsman remembers working with Light and Ianelli as early as 1993.

"It's a great friendship that has developed over the years. We've had a great time working together, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with them."

Hinsman says she loves working with oils and watercolors, having moved away from pastels over the years.

She studied education at Indian University in Pennsylvania, taught art for 10 years and has taken as many workshops as she can through the years, but her connection with Light and Ianelli is something she cherishes.

"Their companionship and support have meant the most to me. It's an honor to be showing my paintings with them. They are my very good friends, and we've been painting together for years."

The gallery is presented in Ianelli's name -- a tribute Hinsman says is well-deserved by a selfless, hardworking woman.

"Helen has done an awful lot for the library and the community," Hinsman said, adding that Ianelli has spearheaded art-based fundraisers in the past, including the Blossoms and Blooms juried art show to raise money to buy children's books for the library.

"She's such an incredible woman."

Ianelli, who taught art at St. John's School for several years and also at Lake Forest Senior Living Community, described her experience working alongside Light and Hinsman as "a rich learning experience."

"We've known each other for at least 15 to 20 years," says Ianelli, a self-taught artist.

"When we get together, we help each other, we learn from each other, and we are always encouraging one another, which is a real plus."

Ianelli, who recently took a workshop in portraits with artist Bob Johnson in South Carolina, said the bond with Light and Hinsman has been essential to her progress development as an artist.

"We gain things from each other," she said. "We each have different vision, and we also have different backgrounds and training. Together, we just seem to move onward and upward."

Ianelli has worked in painting, drawing and sculpture, and she is always looking for a new medium as a way to challenge herself artistically.

She considers the gallery's name a moving gesture, but is just as excited to have collaborated with her two close friends.

"It's very special," she said.

The gallery is presented by The Friends of the Library. A reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in the gallery, which is open during regular library hours, Monday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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