During the month of May and continuing through this weekend, an incredible art exhibit, Agnes Abbot—A Look at the Landscape, has been on display Upstairs at the General and I would like to encourage all who are interested in Harvard history and its landscape to attend. Agnes Abbot was an extraordinary artist who lived for many years on Bolton Road in Harvard.
The impetus for the show was the generous donation to the Harvard Public Library Capital Campaign of 17 watercolors by Whitney Hagins, Ms. Abbot’s assistant and friend for many years. Whitney is the daughter of Jean Crispen, who many Harvard residents may recall was once administrative assistant to the principal at the Bromfield School. Ms. Crispen has served as a Bromfield Trustee for more than 30 years, continuing her connection to Harvard, Old Bromfield, and now the new library.
The library retained for its permanent collection four of the donated watercolors now hanging in the alcoves on the second floor. Several of the 13 remaining watercolors are still available for sale Upstairs at the General through this weekend. The show also features Abbot works from private collections which, together with the 13 donated pieces, convey a broad view of the depth and scope of the artist.
We have independent curator Pam Cochrane to thank for not only pulling together this incredible collection of Ms. Abbot’s artwork, but also for the rich history of the artist that can be found at the show. And thank goodness for the vision of Adam and Lyn Horowitz of the General Store to not only foresee the need for an art gallery in Harvard but for fully supporting community efforts such as the library’s. Behind the scenes of the Abbot show is For Art’s Sake, a truly remarkable group that quietly but steadfastly supports artists and art exhibits. Together, we hope to begin to display local artists’ works at the library.
Ginger Kendall, library trustee
Orchard Hill Road
