01907: Summer 2017

TOP TO BOTTOM:
“Harvard Square” a landscape oil painting by
Marc Morin; a stained glass window designed
by Ingrid Pichler; a photograph exploring the
beauty of unexpected juxtapositions by
Stefanie Timmermann; and an abstract
painting by Carin Doben.
20 | 01907
Reach for the stars | Continued from P. 19
Self-taught photographer Stefanie
Timmermann, who documented the “before
stage” through photos, sees great possibilities
within the building.
“It had an abandoned feel, but the bones are
really good. For shows and exhibits, you have to
think about lighting and giving space for the
work to breathe, and we’ll have that here,” said
Timmermann, a former scientist who loves
the experimental nature of photography and
digital editing.
Putting 01907 back on the map
More than a century ago, Swampscott
attracted talented international artists such as
William Bradford, Albert Van Beest, William
Partridge Burpee, Edward Burrill and Charles
Woodbury, who were inspired by the town’s
shoreline, sailing vessels and fishing industry. As
early as the 1850s, these beach painters, also
known as the American Marine Impressionists,
spurred a flourishing arts movement that lasted
for decades. It was the development of Lynn
Shore Drive and the construction of the beach
wall that pushed the painters toward Gloucester
in the 1920s.
In the decades since, Swampscott has been
unable to rebuild the momentum that it lost
with their exit.
Nearby cities and towns like Lynn, Beverly,
Essex, Newburyport, Gloucester and Rockport
have continued to thrive and have been
designated cultural districts by the Massachusetts
Cultural Council. Marblehead and Salem are
each home to numerous galleries and studios and
host a range of art exhibits and festivals. Lynn,
boosted by its designation, has become a mecca
for artist loft space and studio space and is home
to organizations such as LynnArts and Raw Art
Works. Lynn’s latest art installation project,
Beyond Walls, kicked off this spring and will
celebrate a mural festival this summer, during
which 10 murals will be painted by international
and local artists. The Greater Lynn Photographic
Association, to which Timmermann belongs, has
more than 200 members.
“The give and take is important,” said
Timmermann, describing the synergy of the
association. “What’s lacking in our town is a
place for artists to meet and support each other,
to grow and exchange ideas in a place that
promotes creative energy.”
Timmerman’s work is defined by the use of
atmospheric light, innovative flash techniques
and creative points of view. A native of Germany,
she moved to Boston from Paris and has been
living in Swampscott for nearly a decade. During
her eight years in France, she gained a deeper
appreciation for the arts.
“Art is just a part of life there,” she said. “The
museums are full. There are paintings and prints
around almost every corner. It would be amazing
Photos: Paula Muller
to have more opportunities here in town for
exhibits.”
Leah Piepgras, who has volunteered at RAW
and Marblehead Community Charter Public
School, is looking forward to a place where
Swampscott artists will be able to gather, teach,
perform, create and exhibit. Piepgras was trained
in sculpture and performance art, but has also
added painting to her repertoire. She holds an
impressive record of exhibitions both nationally
and internationally, including solo shows at the
Winfisky Gallery at Salem State University, the
GRIN Gallery in Providence and the
SPRING/BREAK Art Show in New York City.
It baffles her why there hasn’t been more of
an arts presence in a town as picturesque as
Swampscott.
“I was originally from Texas, so it’s an utter
privilege to be so close to the ocean and to see
that view every day,” said Piepgras. “It’s a huge
inspiration to me, the constant and always
changing seascape. I try to walk along the beach
as often as I can.”
Artist Marc Morin, who moved to
Swampscott two years ago, admits that the lack
of space in town has forced him to offer
classes, workshops and drawing boot camps in
Marblehead and Watertown.
“I’d love to be able to offer classes in the Reach
Arts building,” said Morin, a fine art painter who
studied at the Art Institute of Boston. “I hope
this has a positive influence on the whole town.
It seems like it was more of a resort town in years
past and right now it’s still finding its identity.
The building is a start, but hopefully murals and
sculptures and more projects can come out
of this.”
“It feels like Swampscott is becoming,” said
Nancy Wolinski, a graphic designer, vocalist,
jewelry designer and member of the Reach Arts
board of trustees. “There’s the 10-year plan, the
beautification committee, the rail trail and now
this. It’s our time to become a community that
serves its community. We’re not just a sleepy
town next to Boston and we shouldn’t be playing
second fiddle to Marblehead, Salem and Lynn.”
“Places like Marblehead and Rockport have
always been so active,” said abstract artist Carin
Doben, who came to the Bay State from New