‘This is America’ Art Exhibit Comes to Newton

By george ye Heights Staff

This is America , an exhibit that details the history of the United States through art, opened on Feb. 4 at Nearby Gallery in Newton Centre.

The exhibit, curated by Jamaal Eversley, aims to grapple with the country’s history, according to Eversley.

This is America is about showing the good, bad, beautiful, and ugly of America,” he wrote in a document that introduces the exhibit. “The purpose of This is America is to show that unity through diversity of voice and thought brings success to the whole. Unity comes by understanding differences and working through them for a win.”

The exhibit runs through March 5. It is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Sam Belisle and Cal Rice, co-owners of Nearby Gallery, opened the business to showcase underrepresented artists and artworks and to create a space for engagement with the Newton community and the Greater Boston area.

Belisle said he views the gallery as an extension of the themes and topics that he focuses on in his own oil paintings.

“I work to build narratives based on my experience as a working-class citizen in America with a lot of crossovers into like, you know, [critical race theory] and you know, just lower income experience,” he said. “And working in oil, kind of enhances it and pulls it into the conversation.”

This is America is the co-owners’ latest iteration of their goals, which includes providing a space for local artists and artists who don’t have a formal art education or exposure in the field to introduce pieces of art that deal with important issues.

Belisle said the gallery has served this purpose, pointing to a moment when artist Marla L. McLeod talked to two attendees about her piece, “Self Portrait,” a multimedia work showcasing her identity of being white, Native

American, and African American.

One piece in the exhibit— made with bullet casings and a list of people killed by gun violence— also accomplishes this, according to Belisle.

The artwork includes depictions of victims from shootings, suicide, and police brutality in hopes of addressing gun violence as a whole—encompassing the effects and themes associated with guns, such as security, fear, violence, brutality, and justice. Eversley said that he wants the exhibit to provoke thought among gallerygoers.

“Challenge yourself to look beyond our own perspective and together we can work towards a future of America that supports all citizens unequivocally,” he said. n

Five Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day in Newton

B y s hru T hi s riram

Assoc. Newton Editor m argare T D oheny Heights Staff

As stores explode with ros es, chocolate, and everything in between, the world seems to be tinted in pink and red. Newton is no exception, and the city is offering a number of oppor tunities for Valentine’s Day. Here are five ways to celebrate the holiday.

Love You Boo Bags

For those looking to exercise their creativity, consider picking up paint kits from The Paint Bar.

No worries if painting is not your strong suit—these Love You Boo Bags come in sev eral designs, and include helpful items like two video tutorials, canvases, sets of paint, and reference photos. You and your partner can paint together at home with no pressure, as no experience or other supplies needed. Bags are $59, and can be purchased on the Paint Bar’s website.

Sweet Treats Want to surprise your sig - nificant other with something sweet? Two local Newton bakeries are offering Valentine’s menus for you to do just that. Antonie’s Pastry Shop is an old-school bakery that opened its doors in 1954, and has been serving homemade Ital ian desserts to Newton residents since. This year, they are offering heart-shaped cakes, cookies, and more. Bet tina’s Bakery is another Newton classic, run by two trained pastry chef-owners. Antonie’s offers specialty chocolate raspberry mousse cakes and red velvet whoopie pies as special gifts for loved ones.

Movie Night Set sail to the movies, as Feb. 10, 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the classic are looking for a more laidback or last-minute idea, this classic romance film is the perfect date night.

Newton Fine Dining

For those looking for a traditional and timeless candlelit dinner, Newton offers plenty of upscale restaurants providing special menus for the holiday. Restaurants such as sycamore., Farmstead Table, and Bianca offer dishes ranging from sushi to steak.

Valentine’s Day Storytime and Craft

Looking to celebrate this holiday with the whole family? Storytime and Craft event.