The Elusie Gallery at Big Red Frame in Easthampton, MA is pleased to present Amanda Barrow’s exhibition entitled “Conversations with Water”, from September 6-27, 2025. The opening reception is Saturday, September 6 from 4 – 7 P.M. The artist will be present. Ms Barrow will be exhibiting monotype prints, black sumi-ink drawings, and watercolors on wood. This body of work represents approximately 20 years of artwork that she has been working on.
The title “Conversations with Water” comes from a deep-rooted observation of watching water and ice, swimming in pools and oceans, and kayaking on top of water in Maine and the Connecticut River. Amanda is inspired by these three experiences which involve water in particular, and has created an astounding body of artwork inspired by the simple concept of water in its many manifestations. The political connections to water (think: Colorado River effecting drinking water in California and who owns the rights to water in this context), and the ramifications of too much water (think: flooding in many places on the planet that even ten years ago would not have been flooded, including Vermont, etc.), and not having not enough water (think: Western Massachusetts in early 2025 was in the extreme drought category) are some sources of her inspiration.
On Thursday, September 25 from 6 – 7.30 PM, Amanda will give an artist’s talk, and afterwards present two musicians who will Play to the Art, a musical feast. Carl Clements and Darryl Harper will be looking at the artwork, and improvising to the pieces on the wall. Some of the works they play will be pre-composed, and others will be completely improvised. Both of these accomplished musicians teach at Amherst College, and both are reed players: clarinet, saxophone, and bamboo flutes will be employed in this wonderful concert that will be free and open to the public. This program will be supported in part by a grant from the Easthampton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Thank you!
The exhibition “Conversations with Water” explores color, pattern, and various techniques using a few simple matrixes: paper, ink, and wood. Amanda looks forward to sharing her water view of the world with you, and hopes to see you at the opening, or the concert on Thursday, September 25 at 6pm, or another time at The Elusie Gallery.
