Julie Gargan, a lifelong New Englander, will exhibit her artwork at the Hancock Town Library from Sept. 7 through Oct.16. An opening reception will be held in the Daniels Room on Friday, Sept. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Throughout her early life, Gargan was interested in drawing and art. However, after school, all she wanted was to be at the barn. She decided to pursue horses and went on to study Equine Science, taking every possible art class along the way. While in college, Gargan started selling her artwork.
After settling in Harrisville with her family, she became inspired to pick up her paintbrush again by daily forest walks with her children and dogs. Her father-in-law suggested using birch bark as a medium.
Birch bark is a unique organic material, both inspiring and challenging. Bark is harvested from already-downed trees, cleaned, soaked, and then pressed. The whole process takes around two weeks before work can begin. The shapes and contours of the bark determine the layout, while the bark’s tones affect the mood and color palette.
Gargan works out of Birch Tree Studio, 155 Seaver Road, Harrisville, where she resides with her husband, their three children, and the newest addition to the family – a pony.
The exhibit can be viewed during regular library hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call the library at 525-4411 before your visit to ensure no special events are scheduled at that time.