Bristol Art Museum Presents The Persistence of Hand: Material Stories – Time + Material + Hand Labor

The Bristol Art Museum presents The Persistence of Hand: Material Stories – Time + Material + Hand Labor, a new exhibition celebrating the beauty, patience, and storytelling power of handmade art. The exhibition will be on view from Sun., Jul. 26 through Sun., Sept. 20, with an opening artists’ reception on Sun., Jul. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend and meet the artists.

Featuring the work of Steven Easton, Kim Gatesman, Tayo Heuser, Catherine Moylan, Allison Paschke, David Poyant, Kim Savoie, and Francine Weiss, the exhibition explores the enduring significance of craftsmanship in an era shaped by speed, immediacy, and digital experiences.

Through glass, embroidery, drawing, painting, and mixed media, the featured artists highlight the relationship between material, process, and the human hand. Thread becomes image, molten glass becomes form, and layers of pigment and texture become visual narratives. Each piece reveals the marks of its creation, stitching, casting, carving, layering, and building, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and engage more deeply with the work.

“The Persistence of Hand reminds us of the power of slowing down and experiencing art that carries the presence of the artist,” said board member and exhibit curator Mary Dondero.  “These works celebrate the connection between creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling while inviting us to consider the memories, emotions, and experiences embedded within the materials themselves.”

The exhibition explores themes of memory, fragility, endurance, and humanity’s connection to the natural and emotional worlds. By bringing together traditional craft practices and contemporary artistic expression, The Persistence of Hand offers a thoughtful reflection on the importance of time, attention, and intentional creation.