February Artist of the Month – Janice Savery
Janice Savery began painting seriously only 12 years ago, but she has always had a love for art and photography. She took some art courses in school, but as a young adult focused primarily on her career as a speech and language pathologist and raising her family.
As her three children grew, she began taking watercolor classes at the Danforth Museum and later became interested in oil painting which has become her passion. She studied with Rosetta Nasisi and Ruth Scotch. She now takes a small studio class with Rose Marie Morelli in Walpole. She still works part-time and paints at least twice weekly, though Savery looks forward to spending more time at her easel when she retires.
She began painting light filled landscapes, many of which are inspired by Nantucket scenes where she spends summers with her family. Not surprisingly, she enjoys plein air painting whenever possible. Learning new techniques, focusing on the effects of light and atmosphere on her subjects and progressing in her skill are important to Savery. After painting her beloved retriever, Casey, she decided it was time to try portrait painting and has been pleased with this challenge. She loves the ability to preserve special moments in time while painting her children and grandchildren, especially in relation to nature.
In addition to the WSA and the Needham Art Association, Janice is a member of the Art Association of Nantucket, where she participates in workshops, community shows and the Small Works Exhibit. Boston School Representational Painter Amy Chuckrow is one of her favorite mentors. Savery has also exhibited locally in Needham and Wellesley shows, as well as at the Zullo Gallery, Fountain Street Gallery and Grace Chapel Gallery. She has received Honorable Mention for her work from the Needham Art Association. Savery says, “Painting allows me to express the emotions evoked when experiencing nature and the joy I feel while painting and observing the natural environment.”
Mi Herzog has always loved art but, in her early years, felt it was a priority to focus on her business education. She earned an MBA at Harvard and had a successful career in marketing. She married and became busy with her two children and work. In 2012 she took a trip to New Orleans with her friend who is an art historian, and after visiting many galleries, her passion for art was reignited.
Lori became interested in art at a very young age. She recalls a memorable visit to her grandmother’s house when she and her older sister wanted to color the same page in a coloring book. Determined to color the same image as her sister, Lori drew the dog that her sister was coloring freehand on a blank sheet of paper. Lori remembers, “My grandmother took me aside, and with a very serious tone, told me I was talented. I share this because it’s easy to forget how sincere words of encouragement can stay with someone for a lifetime.”
When Lori had children, she switched gears to become a stay-at-home mom while hand painting furniture as a creative outlet. With her children grown, she reignited her artistic passion in oil painting. Within a very short time, she has won over 25 awards for her paintings in local and national shows and last year was juried in as a member of the esteemed Copley Society of Art in Boston. Lori also shows her work as a Gallery Artist at Beacon Gallery also in Boston. She is grateful to encouraging mentors Catherine Kehoe and Nancy Colella.
After the Library Show awards presentation, Carol O’Malia entertained and inspired an audience of over 50 artists and art lovers in the Wakelin Room at the library. She discussed her artistic process by showing several of her “series” work which included beach balls, swimmers, boxers, pillows and snow. The energy of Carol’s work is simply remarkable, made only more amazing by its large scale. She generously shared information from her favorite paints to where she finds inspiration for titles. To complete the afternoon program, Carol even set up a small still life that she started if only to remind the audience that from simple beginnings great things can happen. To see more of Carol artwork visit her 
Sue began painting in the late 1960’s when her children were babies and she needed a creative outlet to pursue at home. Their family lived in Cambridge at that time, so Sue began taking courses at the Museum of Fine Arts. She developed a love for painting and has continued to take courses and workshops throughout her life.
