Western New England University celebrates academic achievements

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of more than 540 students who have been named to the president’s list for the spring semester, including Sarah Jaillet of Athol, who is studying finance.

Western New England University is a private institution with a focus on preparing work-ready and world-ready graduates. Founded in 1919 in Springfield as a division of Northeastern College, WNE’s 215-acre suburban campus serves more than 3,700 students, including over 2,500 full-time undergraduates.

‘Different Strokes’ exhibit works of area artists

PETERSHAM — All are welcome to the Petersham Art Center’s opening reception for “Different Strokes: Works of Local Art Teachers” on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitors will meet the artists and enjoy refreshments as they view their works.

Among the area teachers is Katie Walsh, who teaches art in Winchendon, Worcester, Montana and Vermont. She works in several media, including clay pottery, sculpture and painting. Her mixed media painting called “Fernweh” will be on display.

Artist Jinx Hastings had a studio in Barre and was a potter for 50 years. Since she now has low vision and is legally blind, she is exploring paint as an experimental medium. She loves to weave color together on a canvas, using finger painting and tape to play with paints.

Howard Hastings of Barre has recreated a 1929 Ford Roadster body into an automotive artwork. His “rolling sculpture” will be on display at the opening reception, weather permitting. The re-made car is modeled after the hot rods built in the late 1940s. Many parts were handmade, including the pattern for the aluminum windshield, dashboard and the hood. Hastings has made custom wood interiors for 45 years in his shop in Barre.

Other artists include Candace Anderson, Linda Paul Ganson, Ken Levine, Janet Palin, Kay Leonard, Loren Magruder and Katie Walsh. The exhibit will continue through Sept. 21. Petersham Art Center, located at 8 North St., off Route 32 in Petersham, is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.