By Darla McCammon

This week brings hope to the heart. Why? The first day of spring arrives. The ice is off and our marsh is teeming once again with mallards, wood ducks, buffleheads, robins, red-winged blackbirds and even sandhill cranes. The herons have not returned to us as of yet, but we note and remark about all the activity. We love to see the re-introduction to our nesting sites. Did our returning wood ducks notice the new nesting box? Will the Canadian geese go back to their same old site? How long before we see the daffodils popping through the turf? The maple sap is once again running into buckets.

Spring over the centuries has also touched the soul of many of our great, historical artists.

Monet of the late 1800s captured spring beautifully. Artists have demonstrated their love for this season over time. If you recall, Pissarro was a friend to Monet. Both loved the natural beauty around them. Monet painted many springtime scenes with that same impressionistic flair he shared with his artist friend. A piece called “Le Printemps,” or “The Spring,” was an oil on canvas about 25″ by 31″ in size. It was painted in Giverny.

Monet’s son, Jean, and the daughter of Monet’s companion, Suzanne, are posed under a flowering fruit tree in the epitome of spring. You can see the original of this beautiful work at the Fitzwilliam Museum, located on the campus of Cambridge University, England. To me, the proof of an intelligent creation is always brought to the forefront with a grateful heart at this time of year. I agree with Monet’s love of the season evidenced by his work to paint many scenes depicting spring. All are beautifully expressive and carry the softness of the season at its most enchanting.

So, do you have a favorite season? Send me an e-mail and I will print a few of your thoughts about the spring season. One of the reasons I love living here in this ever-changing part of the world is the fact that we are never bored. Each season brings freshness, a new view and things that stimulate conversation.

Please enjoy this work of Monet and next week we will bring you another spring view by a contemporary of Monet.

Upcoming and Current Events

If you have an event to mention, contact Darla at [email protected] or at (574) 527-4044.

• The Dean Jansen photography exhibit at Warsaw City Hall will be on display through May 31. Jansen will greet you at the gallery in person at dates to be provided in the future.
• The Wagon Wheel Salon featuring Al Disbro with his amazing and wonderful “Our Town” photography exhibit will be on display through April 29, and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There is no charge for admission except during show performances.
• The Edgewood student art show will be on display through March 25 at Lakeland Art Gallery, 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw.
• The Gallery at Rua will host the RedBird Studio art exhibit from March 19 through May 19. Cardinal Services will display some incredible art work under mentor Timothy Young. There will be a reception for the exhibit from 6 to 9 p.m. March 22.
• There will be a free to attend “Open Studio” at Lakeland Art Association Saturday, April 13.