Rustle of Beech, 2014 – Michaela Harlow – Pastel on Cold Press, Deckle-Edge Paper, 20″ x 16″ 

It snowed last night in the hills. When I awoke at 5:30am and looked out my window, moonlight reflected back from a fresh coat of wintry white. Although less than an inch of snow dusted the ground, flurries continued through the day and things feel very different now. The season is shifting. On my walk, winter sounds of paper beech leaves rustling in wind and the persistent cry of blue jays.

In other news, I’ve set a date for an upcoming exhibit of my work in Brattleboro, Vermont: “Who Robbed the Woods?” will open on Friday, December 5th at 5:30 pm at 133 Main Street, Brattleboro. The opening reception coincides with Gallery Walk. Part of the proceeds from this show will be donated to the Halifax Conservation Group, in an effort to protect the forest land surrounding my studio.

My painting studio sits atop a forested hillside in Halifax, approximately 2,670′ from the excavation site of a proposed rock quarry. Jerry Pratt of Ashfield Stone in Massachusetts is applying for an Act 250 permit from the State of Vermont to open a schist quarry in the middle of this unspoiled tract of conservation land. The stone would be saw cut on site and trucked back to Massachusetts where it would be manufactured into countertops, sinks and other merchandise. The first of three hearings will begin next month. The Halifax Conservation Group formed to fight the quarry and has hired engineers and retained a lawyer to assist with the cause.

Through my exhibit, I hope to not only raise funds for the cause through a percentage-based donation of sales, but also to increase awareness of the proposed quarry and how the project would negatively impact the forest, as well as its many resources and inhabitants —including this artist. It goes without saying that the forest —and my daily walks through the quiet woods, surrounded by nature— is the greatest inspiration for my work. If a quarry were to be permitted at such a close distance to my painting studio, the noise would likely be intolerable. I would be forced to relocate permanently.

Please join me for for this benefit  —details can be found on the exhibit page as they emerge— and stay tuned for more updates as more plans develop!

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