Sculptures at Smith Evoke the Spirit of Pioneering Women

The "Beacon," the "Healer," the "Young Mother,"-these are some of the archetypal figures that make up "The Standing Women of Callanish," an installation of seven mixed media sculptures by Acton artist and Smith alumna Mary McLane on view at the Smith College Alumnae House gallery from Sept. 1 to Oct. 20.

Created from pieces of old barns, farm equipment and other found objects from New England, the larger-than-life sculptures were inspired by a 5,000-year-old circle of stones in Scotland, the homeland of McLane's ancestors. The figures represent pioneering women, like McLane's great-grandmother, who traveled to new lands, enduring hardships and losses, in order to start life anew for themselves and their families.

Of her approach to making art with found objects, McLane says, "The materials are very non-verbal. Found objects are associative--they help you get beyond words to what the feeling is."

McLane, who exhibits annually at the open studios for Artists West in Waltham, has displayed her "Standing Women of Callanish" at several venues, including University Place in Cambridge, the Newton Free Library and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

An opening reception will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, in the Alumnae House Living Room. Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call Robin Feldman at (413) 585-2043.

August 21, 2000