An Artful Touch Gallery in Rockport dispays the artwork of two well-known artists: Martin Ahearn, A.W.S. and John C. Terelak. Both artists have widespread reputations but they are particularly close to Peggy Chick, the gallery's owner and manager. Ahearn is Chick's father and Terelak is married to her sister, Pat, who creates beaded jewelry for the gallery.
When Martin Ahearn, a graduate of Vesper George School of Art, moved to Rockport about 40 years ago he studied with Carl Peters and Emile Gruppe in his efforts to make the transition from advertising to fine art. "In advertising, everything must be very specific," explains Ahearn. "With paintings, youčre more interested in the mood and putting feeling into it." Ahearn, who has painted in a variety of locations from Cape Ann to Alaska, Hawaii to Scotland, England to Ireland, works almost exclusively in watercolor, enjoying the "spontaneity of the medium and its freshness." Known for his dramatic skies, Ahearn captures the emotion and excitement of everyday places with compositions that often include low horizons, reminiscent of old Dutch landscapes or American Luminist paintings.
Terelak, who thirty years ago turned down numerous university football scholarships to pursue his dream of being an artist, also attended (and later taught at) Vesper George School of Art. His goal has been fulfilled. Much like Monet, Terelak often works on several paintings simultaneously. "Every painting," he says, "takes a life of its own as it develops and evolves," taking him "along for the ride." Bored with repititions, Terelak is "always exploring" - trying new techniques, using differenet color combinations, varying composition, and adding transparent glazes to create the "soul and magic" of his works of art. Terelak's work can reflect energy as well as quietude. He paints with dabs of color that mirror the light and hues of urban and country settings alike. A particularly lovely work, titled Autumn Vermont, with its sun-washed birch trees illustrates his close ties to the American Impressionist tradition. He is currently working on a series of Boston settings, including Faneuil Hall and the Boston Public Garden, which have been reproduced as Giclee prints.
Displays in this attractive gallery are arranged to showcase the various offerings with ample space to view the works and move among them. In addition to paintings and prints provided by this talented family, the gallery also offers colorful hand-made ceramic ware, original jewelry, art glass and fine antiques.
