Hosmer Gallery

Jim Crowell: New Birchbark

The work in this show is inspired by the great outdoors here in the Pioneer Valley, several trips he has taken, and the material he works with, from birchbark to found objects. 

Nature is his one touchstone and has constantly been his primary source of recreation, relaxation, and inspiration. 

Jim is most excited in making the work; the act of creation is what motivates him and allows him to move forward and skillfully craft each new piece. 

Ukraine’s Children Paint Their World by the Sunflower Dreams Project

Mother and daughter artists Nataliia and Yustyna Pavliuk began their art healing class with the purpose and determination to help children, living in the war zone, express their thoughts and emotions through art. For many of these young artists, this would be their first experience working with paint and paper. And with their vibrant images of war’s reality and their dreams for a peaceful future, these extraordinary paintings portray and document history in real time.

The Sunflower Dreams Project, (SDP), an all-volunteer organization based in Seattle, was formed to raise awareness of the plight of Ukrainian children and to promote practical solutions for affordable access to mental health care. Nataliia Pavliuk said: “A child’s art is the purest form of expression—there’s nothing between their heart and the paintbrush.”

This art exhibit has been brought to the Forbes Library to fulfill the SDP’s mission – to keep the stories of these young artists in the hearts of the world. Information on how to make donations to the SDP solely for the purchase of art supplies for the young artists in Ukraine, will be provided at the gallery.

The exhibit at the Hosmer Gallery will be the first such exhibition on the East Coast. We are thrilled to be showing this work in Northampton.