In this series, we highlight two of the many artists who contribute to the deep creative culture of Concord. Across town, many organizations are dedicated to uplifting the visual arts and artists through exhibitions, educational programs, performances, and workspace.

Noel_BW_Headshot_2023.jpgBethany Noël

Imagine living in a visual reality that fluctuates. Perhaps you don’t have to imagine at all. I have been witness to many of those who happen upon Bethany’s exquisite work at Three Stones Gallery in Concord. The emotional and visceral reaction viewers have to her paintings is truly moving. Holding a Merit Scholar BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, Bethany Noël is the kind of artist I would not hesitate to say might take the art world by storm. Noël is a pointillist, or rather divisionist, by circumstance and not choice. Like many others, she suffers chronic migraines that cause ocular distortions and auras in her vision. These often manifest as a superimposed fractal vision of color, light, and darkness along with nauseating pain. Despite this challenging reality, Noël takes refuge and strength in her work, giving form to an unseen reality. Her view of nature is both sacred and kaleidoscopic in an array of marks and patterns in acrylic and chalk pastel. Seemingly everyday scenes of woodlands and trees become hyper experienced through the voyeur of this unique vision. Perhaps best described in the artist’s own words, “My artwork is an ode to joy despite pain and revealing the beauty of the mundane.” BethanyNoelArt.com

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Alice Rosa, October Sunshine


Rosa_BW_Headshot.jpgAlice Rosa

Italian artist Alice Rosa had a love of botany from a young age. It is with this immense love and impeccable skill in color pencils that Rosa creates almost scientifically descriptive botanical illustrations, as if from a Victorian manuscript. A Concord resident, Rosa holds a degree in foreign languages and literature from the University of Verona as well as a degree in Art Conservation from the Istituto Veneto per i Beni Culturali in Venice, Italy. Suffice it to say, this is an artist with immense attention to every detail and miniscule moment. I often imagine her work as the world perceived through the eyes of a butterfly. Hearing the call of the glorious peony, beckoning its admirers, and delighting in bursts of vivid color and chiffon petals. All this glory that comes from this beautiful earth is in such a delicate balance with the impact humans have on the environment. Rosa’s work wishes to “raise awareness of the wonders of nature through her art, and with that, encourage a deeper respect for the environment.” Her work reminds us there are stories within each humble plant that teach valuable lessons we can apply to a hopeful future. TheUmbrellaArts.org/person/alice-rosa

Both artists’ works can found at Three Stones Gallery.