Newburyport Art (NAA) presents Poetry of Place, a Featured Artist exhibition by Donald Jurney. Poetry of Place is on view in the Hills Gallery from October 20th to October 31st. Donald’s work is based in the landscape painting tradition, harkening back to styles of the 17th, late 19th and early 20th centuries. His paintings are influenced by modern painting, which creates a timeless motif that is distinct and recognizable. A free, public reception will be held on Saturday, October 21st, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and all are welcome to join and meet the artist.

This exhibition contains a selection of small works, 8”x8”, 10”x10”, and 12”x12”. These small works explore themes from en plein air painting to memories of France and beyond. Additionally, this exhibition features six figurative pieces, including a French brasserie, an Edinburgh pub, a late night scene with a young woman lost in thought, and a re-imagining of the artist at age 26. Further, Poetry of Place offers a new interpretation of eight book covers. These book covers were discarded by libraries, and had no illustrations. Mr. Jurney created small paintings on each cover to reimagine what the books might have been like with pictures. 

Mr. Jurney is committed to understanding our relationship to the places around us, and having ‘a conversation’ with our precarious world. He values time that is spent observing and discovering the subtleties of the land that surrounds us. He invites us to explore what Patrick Kavanagh has called “the undying difference in the corner of a field.” This exhibition is a celebration of the commonplace, and relishing in the beauty of our surroundings.

The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm. The Members’ Fall Juried Show is on view alongside Poetry of Place and a Fall Gift Shop is also available with seasonal items. Newburyport Art is closed on Mondays. The ground-floor Hills Gallery has an accessible entrance. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.

Founded in 1948, Newburyport Art is dedicated to promoting and exhibiting members’ work and to providing art education and access to the visual arts for the entire community.