Masterful Brushwork, Vibrant Colors & A Beautiful Setting: Announcing Billings Farm & Museum’s Artist-in-Residence Margaret Dwyer
Billings Farm & Museum is excited to welcome this season’s Artist-in-Residence, Margaret Dwyer. Through her masterful watercolor brushwork and use of vibrant colors, Dwyer brings her subject matter to life. From June – October, guests can witness the joy she creates on paper, as she artistically explores the beauty of the site, the Farmstead Gardens, the Sunflower House and the farm’s animals.
During her residency, Dwyer will be on site frequently to paint, demonstrate watercolor and needle felting techniques, and lead workshops. On select days and during events she will engage with guests through tutorials in drawing and painting from nature, an interactive watercolor quilt square art project, and giant bubble activities. Junior Farmer and Farm Discovery Campers will have a chance to create polymer clay animals and shaving cream art or explore felting with the Artist-in-Residence.
Dwyer comments, “I have a real passion for teaching. It inspires me to be among other creative people and lifelong learners. Ideas and artistic methods are constantly in motion in my studio, and it is a joy to share that with others through teaching”.
Exciting Summer Workshops led by Artist-in-Residence Margaret Dwyer:
Wings & Things Watercolor Workshop on Saturday, July 16, 10AM – 12PM
As butterflies, dragonflies, and bumblebees flit through the sky on the golden days of summer, these tiny and incredible creatures will provide inspiration for this introductory watercolor workshop. In this fun exploration, students will be guided through the process of observing of colors, textures, and patterns. Using the subtle transparency of the fluid watercolor medium, along with a few artist’s tricks and techniques, students will translate their observations in nature onto paper. After an enjoyable experience of painting in a relaxed setting, each student will produce a summer treasure to take home.
Sunflower’s Splendor Watercolor Workshop on Wednesday, August 17, 5:30 – 7:30PM
As summer builds to its peak, one of the most magnificent blooms will make its grand appearance.
In the Billings Farm Sunflower House, a myriad of shapes, colors and sizes will provide incredible inspiration for this watercolor workshop. To capture the sunflower’s splendor, this workshop will focus on the importance of brushwork and mark making. Using an array of techniques, students will learn to express the sunflower’s bright, bold and captivating elements onto paper. A workshop designed for all painting levels, the most challenging aspect will be choosing a favorite bloom.
Each workshop is $65/person, $60/members with materials included. Advanced registration is recommended. Visit billingsfarm.org/art-on-the-farm-education-program/.
The residency will culminate with a solo exhibition of Margaret Dwyer’s artwork in the Billings Farm & Museum Activity Barn in the fall. Her prints are available for purchase in the Museum Gift Shop. Dwyer adds, “I’m incredibly excited to discover the wonders of Billings Farm & Museum through an artistic lens.”
About the Artist:
Margaret Dwyer earned her Master of Fine Art degree in Visual Arts in 2008 from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her thesis work involved researching, writing, and creating art based on psychological themes such as trauma, dreams, and the unconscious. She works in 2-D and 3-D mediums, though watercolor is her favorite. Her artwork has been recognized in numerous juried national and international exhibitions and has been published in fine art books and magazines. From 2019 to 2021, Margaret was the Artist in Residence for Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, VT. As a mural artist, she has created dozens of public and private murals throughout New England. Currently, she teaches art at her studio in Windsor, VT. To view her work, visit MargaretDwyerArtist.com.
