Peterborough Town Library, 2 Concord St. in Peterborough, will host a collaborative show of artwork from Han Hamel and Soosen Dunholter to kick off the library Community Art Gallery’s new series titled “In Conversation.”
Hamel and Dunholter will display their collages together. The opening reception will be held on First Friday, June 3. Hamel will offer a virtual presentation on what it means to identify as non-binary June 22 at 6:30 p.m. and in-person June 23 at 6:30 p.m. Dunholter will be offering a drop-in workshop on creating collages on the First Friday in July, July 1, beginning at 5 p.m. For information and to register for Hamel’s presentation or Dunholter’s workshop, visit peterboroughtownlibrary.org.
Hamel is a New Hampshire native, living and working in Keene. They recently left the nonprofit world to continue on their path of creativity and intuitiveness by offering spiritual services, including readings and dream interpretations. The digital collages that Hamel creates are often of those who are no longer living, helping to ensure that their memory lives on through the artwork.
“I have delighted in creating portraits of pets, loved ones who have passed away,” Hamel stated. “My clients send me a picture they would like me to work with and then I use new imagery to create something unique.”
For information on Hamel, visit owleyereadings.com.
Dunholter lives and creates in Peterborough. Her latest paper collage creations also bring to life people of the past by using photos and graphics from old magazines and turning them into something new and whimsical, creating a new story with the old images. For Dunholter, a favorite aspect of being a collage artist is “the thrill of discovery,” finding materials at a thrift shop or yard sale and witnessing how those random finds come together to form new images with her signature mix of realism and fantasy.
“My aim is not to create social or controversial art,” she stated. “Whether or not it makes people think, I hope it sparks the imagination, delights the inner child, and makes people smile.”
More information on Dunholter can be found at soosendunholter.com.
Hamel’ and Dunholter’s collages will be on display in the Peterborough Town Library’s Community Art Gallery through the end of July. All are welcome to view the artwork during regular library hours. The gallery is a regional public art space which provides exhibition opportunities for students, emerging artists and the community.