A commemorative exhibition to feature the artwork of Numael and Shirley Pulido, titled “Life in Art,” will open March 25 at Hancock Town Library, 25 Main St., including an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m.
The exhibit will run through May 3.
Both artists, though from diverse backgrounds and art training, painted in the style of classical realism, inspired by the work of European “old masters.” The couple lived almost 50 years in a small house in Hancock, and painted, as Shirley once described “in complete obscurity.” They also taught lessons and conducted workshops in the studio behind their house, introducing many future professional artists to the principles of classical painting.
Numael came to the United States from Bogota, Columbia as a teen. After graduating from a high school in New York, he attended the Art Students League to study oil painting.
Shirley grew up in Rochester, N.Y., and her early life included performing as a professional magician. She won a scholarship to The Cooper Union, and later was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship which took her to Paris for several years where she studied art.
They met while both were living in New York, connecting and building a creative bond that continued for the next 60 years. Their journey brought them to New Hampshire, where they first worked for High Mowing School in Wilton. Eventually they bought a house in Hancock, which was their home for the rest of their lives.
The Pulidos exhibited together for the first time in 2019 at the former Fry Gallery in Peterborough. The exhibit featured Shirley’s oil series “Interiors,” inspired by daily activities and scenes in their home, and included Numael’s portraits. In 2017, Numael was honored with the Ewing Award, which recognizes artistic excellence in the creative community of the Monadnock region and beyond. In 2018, he became a member of the Guild of Boston Artists, where he received multiple awards for his portraiture.
In addition to Numael’s portrait paintings, the Hancock exhibition will feature Shirley’s still-life pastels. One of Numael’s last wishes was to have an exhibit of her pastels, as they had never been shown. Shirley died in 2020, and Numael died in 2022.
A catalog featuring some of their major artwork will be available for purchase at the exhibition. People can view the exhibit in the Daniels Room during regular library hours of 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 603-525-4411 before visiting to ensure no special events are scheduled at that time.