BELL ART GALLERY
“Here the past becomes immediate through History, Art and Nature”
Our recently expanded, fully handicapped accessible Welcome Center houses our reception desk, gift shop, and the state of the art Bell Art Gallery.
View original works by premier portraitist Gilbert Stuart, his daughter Jane Stuart, and changing themed exhibits highlighting the works of both locally and historically renowned artists.
Be engaged and inspired by these outstanding artistic offerings.
Please check our current exhibition schedule below.
Gallery Hours: 10:00 am—4:00 pm
Admission charged. Members free.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
Schoolgirl sampler by Polly Cole, age 11, 1808, Hopkinton RI
Lynne Anderson Collection
Embroidered Lives:
South County Samplers and Their Stories
April 28 - October 13, 2024
Curated by Lynne Anderson, PhD & Margaret O'Connor
Until the late 19th century, needlework was an essential part of the American schoolgirl curriculum, as important as learning to read. In addition to plain sewing, most girls were taught fancy needlework stitches and used them to embroider at least one sampler – many made two or three. “Embroidered Lives” showcases 30 samplers with South County connections, exploring the social, religious, and historical contexts within which these girls lived, attended school, and stitched their samplers.
All the samplers on display are signed and most are dated, allowing us to identify the individual schoolgirls responsible for their creation. The girls represent families from all across South County and are of diverse socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. These intricate pieces both unite these disparate experiences of girlhood and serve as material testaments to the girls’ educational and needlework achievements; testaments as beautiful and unique as their young makers.
Due to popular demand, “Embroidered Lives” has been extended, and will be on view until the end of our season on October 13, 2024