“A Place Like No Other” A view of Sandy Neck through the eyes of Barnstable High School Art Students on display in the Barnstable Town Hall Hearing Room through April 25, 2022

The “Artist Spotlight” program displays the works of local artists on meeting room walls in Barnstable Town Hall.  Currently on display are the works of Barnstable High School students in the James H. Crocker, Jr. Hearing Room on the 2^nd floor in Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main Street. Artwork is on display through April 25, 2022.  The exhibition is open to the public.  Town Hall is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm (except State and Federal holidays).  Town Hall is located at 367 Main Street, Hyannis, free parking in the Town Hall public parking lot.  Enter Town Hall through the front doors on the Hyannis Village Green entrance.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
In October 2021, the students from Barnstable High School’s AP Studio Art class participated in a field trip out to the Sandy Neck House at the Halfway Point, so called because of its location half way down the inner rim of Sandy Neck. The building, more of a nature camp than a house, is nestled in the maritime forest perched above the Barnstable Great Marsh. It overlooks a thick matted patch of marsh grass, Osprey nesting sites, and a cluster of bird houses opening up to a view of Barnstable Harbor.

The students were tasked with combining what they had previously researched regarding the ecology, history, topography, and conservation aspects of Sandy Neck with their experiences journeying out to the halfway point. Accompanying them were Town of Barnstable Sandy Neck Beach Park Ranger Hannah Lawrence and Barnstable High School art teachers Aimee Butterfield and Matt Kemp. During the day the students observed baby diamondback terrapins saved by the Town’s conservation efforts, viewed multiple tracks from a range of Sandy Neck fauna, and explored the trails snaking through the maritime forest, gathered materials, and created a series of plein air sketches.

The group created a range of artistic responses, utilizing a variety of techniques including photo collage, mixed media painting, traditional acrylic painting, and kinetic sculpture. They tell the story of the interaction of two of Barnstable’s greatest resources- the natural beauty of Sandy neck and the bright, talented, and inspiring students of Barnstable High School.

For more information on this program or the adult artist excursion program out at Sandy Neck Beach, email melissa.chartrand@town.barnstable.ma.us   www.ArtsBarnstable.com