A THOUSAND WORDS

STORY & PAINTING BY ROBERT BECK

DOZER

DOUG DODGE, WHOMIhave painted and written about many times, called me Monday night from Maine to tell me his dog died. That is news of interest well beyond Washington County. Dozer was not just any dog. An old rescue lab, Dozer was one of the kindest, gentlest dogs on the planet. He was also one of the fattest. It’s been said you could land a plane on his back. I’ve written that he resembled a black claw-foot tub. Dozer had stopped eating, and it was clear he was sick. The issue was diagnosed as cancer in the lung, and the vet put him down. Doug brought Dozer home, the neighbor drove over with a backhoe, and they “wrapped him up good and buried him deep, in a spot that gets nice light.”

Dozer was a prominent member of Jonesport and Beals Island society (when you read that, hear “DO-zuh” for full Downeast effect). He went everywhere with Doug. If Doug was doing work at the Shipyard, Dozer would wander into town, hang out at the Liars’ Table in the variety store, and listen to the lobstermen as they played cribbage

>21

exhibitions

Hat (American), ca. 1905-1910, velvet, ostrich feathers, felt. Allentown Art Museum: collection of Ellie Laubner, 2009.

New Century, New Woman

Allentown Art Museum 31 North 5th St., Allentown, PA 610-432-4333 AllentownArtMuseum.org Through April 18, 2021

This exhibition explores American women’s new personal and political freedoms at the turn of the 20th century through the lens of fashion. Between 1890 and 1920 many women challenged the expectation that their role should be limited to home and family. They pursued employment and education in increasing numbers, and campaigned for suffrage and social reform.

Fashionable clothing in this era ranged from elaborate feminine dresses to smart separates inspired by menswear. As women challenged norms of feminine behavior, many chose to dress stylishly in order to subvert stereotypes and advance their agendas.

On the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, this exhibition offers a perspective on gender roles, fashion, and professional self-presentation that continue to resonate today.

New Century, New Woman is supported through the generosity of the Society of the Arts (SOTA) and Mrs. Eleanor P. Laubner.

Scheller Gallery Red Eruption (natural light)

John Spears - Illusions of Light

New Hope Arts 2 Stockton Ave., New Hope, PA 215-862-9606 Newhopearts.org Through March 21, 2021 Online and in-person Gallery hours: Fri., Sat., Sunday, 12 –5

John Spears opens New Hope Arts’ exhibition year with an in-gallery exhibition designed to explore space and illusion, when architecture and art work together. The eighteen canvases curated by Rita Romanova Gekht, arranged as a viewer-centered experience, illuminate Spears’ method developed over his 45-year career. Large scale images use UV and LED light to reveal the colors and textures not seen in natural light.

Protocol limits ten people at a time so viewers have the opportunity to interact with each piece while maintaining social distance. Reservations are suggested. Visit the website or call for more information.

Red Eruption (UV light) Elizabeth Aubrey, Farmstead, Acrylic on Canvas, 16” x 20"

Women Artists, Trenton Style

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion Cadwalader Park, 299 Parkside Ave., Trenton 609-989-1191 Ellarslie.org Through June 6, 2021 Fri., Sat., 12-4; Sun., 1-4

Showcasing a diverse array of exciting works by 11 leading artists of the greater Trenton area, the Trenton City Museum proudly presents Women Artists, Trenton Style, curated by Mel Leipzig. Featured artists: Priscilla Algava, Elizabeth Aubrey, Nora Chavooshian, Cheryl Eng, Tracey Jones, Marge Miccio, Dallas Piotrowski, Tamara Torres, Khalila Sabree, Aundreta Wright, Mary Yess. Visit Ellarslie.org for timed entry and information.

Aundreta Wright, Coiled Pot, Fired Clay, 16” x 14” x 16"