The Monhegan Museum of Art & History is delighted to announce its upcoming summer exhibition, A Common Bond: Women Artists of Monhegan Island, featuring the remarkable legacy of the Women Artists of Monhegan Island (WAMI). The exhibition will run from July 1 through September 30, 2024, showcasing the artistic contributions of this influential group over nearly three decades.
Founded in 1990 by Elena Jahn and Frances Kornbluth, WAMI emerged with the noble goal of enhancing opportunities for women to exhibit their art both on and off Monhegan Island. Comprising a vital part of the Monhegan art community for almost 30 years, the group built upon a rich tradition of over a century of women artists on the island. Beyond providing exhibition opportunities, WAMI served as a platform for members to convene, discuss their art, and share their experiences as women and artists on Monhegan.
The exhibition will feature 16 long-term members of WAMI, offering a glimpse into the diverse artistic expressions that flourished within the group. The accompanying catalogue will include reproductions of artworks by all former members, providing a comprehensive overview of WAMI’s impact on the artistic landscape. Notable initial participants include Sylvia Alberts, Nancy Thompson Brown, Ruth Boynton, Elena Jahn, and Frances Kornbluth.
The Women Artists of Monhegan Island have left an indelible mark on the island’s artistic heritage, fostering a community that celebrates stylistic diversity and embraces the common bond forged through their shared experiences. Former WAMI artists who continue to contribute to the art world include Dyan Berk, Kate Chappell, Joan Harlow, and Sylvia Murdock.
Jennifer Pye, Director of the Monhegan Museum of Art & History, expressed enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, “The Women Artists of Monhegan Island have played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic narrative of our community. ‘A Common Bond’ not only showcases their remarkable talent but also pays tribute to the enduring connections that have sustained this collective for decades.”
The 100-page publication A Common Bond: Women Artists of Monhegan Island presents an exciting compilation of 67 paintings and historic photographs from the Women Artists of Monhegan. The book includes a foreword by Jennifer Pye, Director of the Monhegan Museum of Art & History, and contributions by Emily Grey, Curator of the Monhegan Museum of Art & History; Susan Danly, Independent Curator; Kate Cheney Chappell, WAMI artist; and Lisa Jahn-Clough, daughter of WAMI artist Elena Jahn. The catalogue will be available for purchase at the museum this summer, or online at monheganmuseum.org.
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About the Museum
The Monhegan Museum of Art & History is located in the historic Monhegan Island Light Station, 12 miles off the coast of Maine. The Monhegan Light Keeper’s House contains exhibits about the island’s history, art, and nature; and the Assistant Keeper’s House holds a gallery that features exhibitions from the museum’s art collection, which spans more than 160 years. Additionally, the Rockwell Kent/James Fitzgerald Historic Artists’ Home and Studio displays a collection of works by James Fitzgerald. The museum is open daily from June 20 through September 30, during which time the Kent/Fitzgerald Home and Studio are open Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. 1 Lighthouse Hill Monhegan. 207-596-7003. [email protected]. $10 admission
