We are pleased to announce that a new fund has been set up in honor of our music director, Karen Gahagan. In past years donations have been made in recognition of her work and this year in particular many wished to recognize her in some way. Karen suggested the creation of a fund that would allow her to supplement the UUCM music program.

 

Anyone is welcome to contribute any amount and at any time. Just make out the check to UUCM and note Special Music Fund on the memo line. We were already blessed to have Karen and offer further appreciation for her generosity of spirit in creating this fund. 

We could use some help ringing the church's bells on

Fourth of July! Stop by at

noon and/or 6 pm and help ring the bell to celebrate the 4th of July!

Please be sure lights are out and doors are pulled shut! Thank you for your assistance in keeping the building secure!

"Circle of Friends," an exhibit of five local artists whose works focus on love and compassion in honor of Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender (GLBT) Pride Month, will be on exhibit throughout the month of June in Stetson Gallery in Marblehead. 

 

Holly Jaynes of Marblehead, who organized the exhibit for Stetson Gallery, said of her artistic process: "My artwork is explorative and a spiritual gift, and brings happiness, fulfillment, challenge, and creativity to my spirit. I reveal the connection of the spirit inherent in my relationship with my art to the viewer, which brings my art closer to the viewer: to ponder, question, wonder, enjoy and perhaps even purchase! " Jaynes was a graphic designer and art director for advertising agencies before returning to school at Mass College of Art & Design, pursuing a dual major in painting and photography. She received her Masters from Lesley University in Expressive Therapy, and uses various art modalities leading groups in the mental health and addictions fields. Holly taught art across the lifespan and has exhibited in the Boston area and on the North Shore for more than 35 years. She is a member of the Marblehead and Salem Arts Associations, as well as a women's art group. She is co-chair of the Crafts Exhibit for the Marblehead Festival of Arts, and has been an exhibitor in several MFoA exhibits for many years. Jaynes has won awards from art associations and the Marblehead Festival of Arts.

 

Nancy Ferguson, Marblehead: "The works in this exhibit reveal several mediums through which I have celebrated the relationship of people to people, and people to their surroundings. I have been an active participant in the Marblehead Festival of Arts since 1970, both as committee chair and exhibitor, earning several prizes including Best of Show and Outstanding Work in a variety of categories. I am also a life member of the Marblehead Arts Association where I've also served as President in the 80's, and after a six year absence from town, became the second Executive Director from 95-2000. Since then I spent 5 years as an adjunct professor in the Department of Interior Design at Endicott College, teaching rendering, and concurrently to the present, for 14 years as director of the Gallery at Grosvenor Park. In my distant past, I also taught lettering arts for 12 years in Marblehead's Adult Education. My most notable public work is my oil painting on the harpsichord at Old North Church, Marblehead in honor of the 350th anniversary in 1982."

 

Sandra Winter, Marblehead:  "I make collages and mixed media pieces because I have a desire to express the great tragedy, beauty, and comedy I see in this world. I try to convert these thoughts, impressions, feelings, and concerns into visual images I can share with others. My work falls into three general areas:  social justice and environmental concerns, aging and death, and images of what I perceive the spiritual life to be. I also create for the sheer fun of using found and recycled materials in playful and unique ways. I am primarily a self-taught artist who has taken a few courses here and there."

 

Pat Chase, Marblehead: "I am a self-taught artist who has explored a large variety of mediums and techniques with several teachers over the years. Widowed in 2012, I shifted my focus from business to more introspective and creative work. Art has opened a world of color, shapes and textures to me, enriching my life. I love to work in layers, as life is so full of them. My intention in creating these pieces has been to show color and diversity - evoking strength, acceptance and most of all Love. I have lived and raised my family in Marblehead for 36 years. I am a very proud parent of two loving daughters and sons-in-laws and recently became a grandmother to a beautiful baby boy. I am a member of the Marblehead and Salem Arts Associations. I have displayed work in the Marblehead Festival of Arts in Crafts and Mixed Media. One of my Encaustic entries won an Honorable Mention in 2015. If a viewer stops, even for a moment to reflect on a piece I have created, I'm satisfied."

 

Jolene Sabirai, Swampscott: "I am a self-taught artist. I have been a registered nurse for over 30 years. Working as a trauma nurse in Boston and as an oncology nurse, I have experienced many life-changing moments and situations - some happy, but usually sad and devastating. I have always searched for an outlet for my emotions, a way to express my thoughts and beliefs. It wasn't until I experienced cancer myself that I was introduced to mixed media art and photography. Experimenting with inks, paper, acrylics, oils, glazes, watercolor, and my digital camera, I have been able to heal from the cancer journey and continue to express myself. I have exhibited and sold my mixed media art at the Marblehead Festival of Arts. All this has grown my compassion towards all living beings and shown me how vital it is to be there for one another. "We are all just walking each other home." Ram Dass."