Past, Present of Warren to Connect at Imago Exhibit

Warren’s past and present will connect in an exhibit that opens at the Imago Foundation for the Arts gallery on Market Street this week.

“Warren: A Point of View” will blend recordings of stories of their younger days told by 9 residents born before World War II and artifacts collected over the past 12 months and artistic interpretations of the town today by Imago artists in paintings and photographs. 

“It is a connection of the past and present and what it’s like to live here,” said Eileen Mayhew, an Imago board member and exhibitor.

The exhibit starts on Thursday, Nov. 14, and runs through Christmas Eve. A reception to officially open the exhibit is Friday, Nov. 15, from 6-8 pm at the Imago gallery, 36 Market St.

Imago then will lengthen its hours for the exhibit, said Mayhew. Its expanded hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm.

The narrative portion of the exhibit is made possible by the Warren Preservation Society, which interviewed the long-time residents – the so-called “Silent Generation” -- and pulled together the old maps, photos and artwork, said Mayhew.

Imago put out a call to local artists to submit their interpretations of Warren today. The foundation is still looking for artists to add to the exhibit.

They will be allowed to submit 1 to 3 pieces no larger than 11x14, said Lisa Legato, a member artist of Imago who was tending the exhibit on display until last Saturday and will be exhibiting some of her work. 

Just drop by and drop off your artwork, she said.

Among the long-time residents whose stories were recorded for the exhibit are Pat Reed, Judy Davidson, Bertha Lial, Robert Barry, Madeline Ernest, Tony DaPonte, and Don Primiano, who will be exhibiting artwork as well. Two other residents who have died since recording their stores are Jennie Proto and Alex Mikulski.

Artists who will be exhibiting so far along with Primiano, Mayhew and Legato are Tom Culora, Candis Dixon, Charlie Francies, Kathy Kittell, Eileen Collins, Mary Dondero, Linda Megathlin, and Kenny Rumpler.