Dartmouth residents display art at new Marion Art Center gallery
Laura Bedard stands in front of her watercolor octopus at the Marion Art Center Member's Show. Photos by Mari Huglin
Paintings filled the walls from local artists.
Friends, families and artists enjoyed wine and snacks while they perused through the gallery.
Many artists submitted paintings, but other art forms were on display too - like photos and sculptures.
One glass piece dangles in the window.
The upstairs of the gallery had bigger pieces on show.
A quilt with owls was hung in the corner. 
Attendees looked through other art for sale. 
Friends caught up with eachother in the gallery.
Laura Bedard stands in front of her watercolor octopus at the Marion Art Center Member's Show. Photos by Mari Huglin
Paintings filled the walls from local artists.
Friends, families and artists enjoyed wine and snacks while they perused through the gallery.
Many artists submitted paintings, but other art forms were on display too - like photos and sculptures.
One glass piece dangles in the window.
The upstairs of the gallery had bigger pieces on show.
A quilt with owls was hung in the corner.
Attendees looked through other art for sale.
Friends caught up with eachother in the gallery.
MARION — The walls of the Marion Art Center were adorned with paintings, photographs and even quilts giving artists from across the South Coast a chance to showcase their skills at the debut for a new gallery show that will last through the beginning of February.
Saturday, Jan. 10 friends, families and even Dartmouth residents headed to the Marion Art Center to enjoy over 65 pieces of local art. Members submitted original pieces that they had made in the past five years to a show running through the beginning of February.
Jodi Stevens, Director of the Marion Art Center, said she loves how the gallery shows off the talent of the South Coast. She highlighted the space as an opportunity for artists of all levels to showcase and sell their work.
“I think it's good for people to learn what it's like to show in a gallery alongside other artists and see how their work might pair with different types of work,” said Stevens.
One of her favorite parts of the event is meeting new members and seeing artists make connections. Stevens said that the show is a good place for artists to network and learn about new opportunities for their art.
“They get to meet new people and hopefully connect with other artists and maybe find out where else they're showing and maybe get their work out into the world in other places,” said Stevens.
Laura Bedard of Dartmouth has been a member at the Marion Art Center for one year and was excited to submit her piece because of how kind and supportive the community is.
“I love that [the Marion Art Center] has member shows and everyone gets included and it's something to look forward to,” Bedard said.
Bedard submitted a watercolor octopus, something she usually leans toward in her work. She said that she loves the sea creatures and how often it brings people joy at events.
The event is also a great place to network since everyone is welcoming, creates a “positive vibe” and welcomes artists from all over.
“I think other artists in the area that have been painting for a long time or new have this great place to come and meet other artists who maybe are starting out or have been painting for decades,” Bedard said.
She mentioned that people can see what their neighbors work on and how artists are inspired by the South Coast area, which often appears in their art.
The show will run until Feb. 6 at the Marion Art Center located at 80 Pleasant St in Marion.
