SHERMAN, Conn.—“For the Love of Cows,” an art exhibition by three women artists who celebrate the animals and their messages of peace and tranquility, will open Friday, Oct. 10, at the Sherman Library.
Linda Hubbard has photographed cows all over the world, while Suzanne Ashley uses her photographs to create whimsical cow collages. And a long time ago, Caroline Clowes painted cows in the Hudson River School style. Together these artists depict the many types of cows, their attitudes, beauty and their messages.
The artists’ reception will be held Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will also be an artist talk on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. The show will be on display at the Sherman Library through Wednesday, Nov. 19, both at the library and on its website, www.ShermanLibrary.org.
The partnership of Hubbard and Ashley grew out of discussions at the Sherman Library where they discovered their mutual love of cows. Hubbard has photographed cows from Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and beyond. With a camera in hand, she has always been drawn to their eyes and their expressions. Ashley used many of these cow photographs and created collages.
“Collaging with cows provided me with a way to give voice to my deep concern regarding the future of the earth and all living things,” said Ashley. “Cows are aware of much more than they first let on. Initially, they summon you with their gentle loving eyes and soulful faces and then later with their fun-sharing spirit and fondness for music.”
Both Ashley and Hubbard live in Sherman, are members of the Sherman Artists Association and have extensive backgrounds in art galleries and art management.
Ashley has a B.S. with distinction in fine arts and English literature from Wilson College, and an M.S. from Temple University in English literature. Hubbard has a degree in math and physics from Bates College and has attended many photography classes and workshops. They both have been represented by galleries throughout the Northeast.
The cow paintings by Caroline Clowes (1838-1904) are on loan from the Dutchess County Historical Society (DCHS) in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Clowes achieved an international reputation during the 19th century with her charming scenes of everyday farm life, including cows of every color grazing through the seasons of rural landscapes.
She painted many farm animals, but cows were her favorite subject. Her paintings of cows in their many and varied attitudes helped Clowes establish herself as one of the first professional female artists in the Hudson Valley.
From LaGrange, N.Y., Clowes was educated at the Poughkeepsie Female Collegiate Institute. She stepped onto the art world’s international stage at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Through the 1870s and ’80s, Clowes completed numerous special commissions and sold dozens of paintings.
This income allowed her to remain comfortably self-sufficient—and unmarried—all her life. She even purchased her own property in Florida, where she spent the winter months sketching and painting cattle.
The artists hope that this compassionate look at cows will persuade the world to overcome its shortfalls with peace and love in a world where caring for all living things comes first.
For more information about this show and the Sherman Library, visit shermanlibrary.org.