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Otherworldly: An Outdoor Exhibit
Location: Throughout the Grounds
What is more human than to dream? For as long as we’ve existed, humans have told stories of the fantastical, the mythical, and the unreal. We fantasize, imagine realms different from our own, and create stories that we wish were true. Art has always been a portal to delve deep into our imaginations—whether that be through words or paint or stone. The artworks in this exhibition are inspired by characters from well-known fantasies, myths, and stories, with each one calling up a local New England connection as well. Explore them! Dream with them! And then, imagine your own.
Featuring the work of Massachusetts artists Chris Frost, Elisa Vanelli, Robin Tost, Nicolas Nobili, and Sue Beardsley.
Chris Frost, Somerville, MA
Working in all kinds of materials including concrete, ceramic, glass, metal, resins, and wood, Chris Frost’s sculptures often feel like a vision from a dream. There’s a touch of the surreal in there, as if we have fallen down a rabbit hole with Alice. Frost’s work has been exhibited and collected in museums and art institutions throughout the New England area. He is a member of the Boston Sculptors Gallery and has shown at Heritage before, most recently in 2018. Learn more about Chris.
Nicolas Nobili, Eastham, MA
Nicolas Nobili is a sculptor and photographer who creates 2-D and 3-D art from materials that he gathers while walking the beaches of the Outer Cape–everything from buoys to plastic toys to washed up pieces of docks. Nick’s work has recently been shown at the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, Cape Cod Museum of Art, and here at Heritage last year, as part of the Treasured Trash exhibition.
Elisa Vanelli, Essex, MA
With a background in graphic design, humanities, painting, and Reiki energy work, wildlife artist Elisa Vanelli only recently began sculpting in clay and mixed media. Elisa is inspired by a deep connection with Mother Nature and sees her art as a way to explore the energy and power of the universe at an elemental level. Recently, she has shown her work at galleries and art associations in Massachusetts. Learn more about Elisa.
Robin Tost, Mill River, MA
In a process she has called “quilting in metal,” Robin uses metal scraps to create patchwork sculptures. With wire as her thread, she creates fantastical animals inspired by myths and astrology–3-D quilts that both echo and contradict the sewing traditions that are her inspiration. Robin has shown her work throughout New England including the Cahoon Museum of American Art, The Mount, and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Learn more about Robin.
Sue Beardsley, East Falmouth, MA
Sue Beardsley recycles metal pieces and parts into whimsical, imaginative and often funny creatures that feel at once familiar and fanciful. She also works in other materials such as fiber and glass. She has shown her work throughout the region including at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, Highfield Hall & Gardens, and the Falmouth Arts Guild. Sue’s work was included in last year’s outdoor art exhibition at Heritage, Treasured Trash. Learn more about Sue.
