Marlies Thomen

The February March Show at Fletcher Memorial Library's Top Shelf Gallery opens with a reception and artist's craft demonstration Saturday, January 25 at 1:30 p.m. "Retrospective" features acrylic and watercolor paintings, many done in a vigorous pointillist style, by Hampton artist Marlies Thomen

Like many painters, Thomen started early, as soon, she says, "as I could hold a pencil, paintbrush, scissors or clay." She remembers a pre-school visit to the New England Art Center in Brooklyn as well as the Hudson River style paintings of her great-grandmother and the paintings and prints displayed in her grandparents' home.

Later she focused on art at Woodstock Academy and attended Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. There she "fell in love with painting in pointillism," the use of dots of pure color to create optical effects, under the influence of a number of highly skilled retired painters.

She subsequently studied both painting and ceramics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, receiving a BA in fine arts, and later explored jewelry making and received her teaching certificate from Central Connecticut State University.

Before beginning her teaching training, however, Thomen toured Europe and spent time in Ireland on an Artists Visa. "I did pointillist paintings and portraits of local sports heroes and people in Western Ireland for my bread and butter," she says.

Thomen has exhibited with Hartford Art Space Open Studio and currently teaches art at Windham Center School, where she helps students connect with academics through art. Her own art isÊvaried in media, style, and subject.

"There are so many amazing colors, space, textures to experience every day when we look around us," she says. "I want to show you everything."

The Top Shelf Gallery is at Fletcher Memorial Library, 257 Main Street, Hampton. Info at 860-455-1086.