‘Light and metaphor’ in New England

“Forest Sunset" (pastel on paper), by Anne Emerson, in her show “Sinking Into Nature,’’ at Creative Connections Gallery, Ashburnham, Mass., starting Nov. 5.

Ms. Emerson says in her Web site:

“I am a New England painter and a writer. The two actions seem to me to feed each other, opening me to see the world simultaneously in light and metaphor. I paint what pleases me and what moves me. My paintings are of people, things and places I love, and most of my paintings have personal historical references. The act of painting is a meditation for me, awakening me to ‘all this joy and beauty,’ in the words of my grandmother's favorite prayer. In a way my painting is also an act of longing. It is an effort to capture the extraordinary feeling of being held in a natural place or emotion, suspended in beauty, power, solitude and light.’’

Ashburnham Town Hall

— Photo by John Phelan

November-looking leaves

Encaustic collage by Jeanne Borofsky, in her show “Jeanne Borofsky: Natural Expressions,” at Creative Connections Gallery, Ashburnham, Mass., through Nov. 30.

The gallery says: “Natural Expressions’’ showcases the encaustic collages of Borofsky, who “finds inspiration in the natural world, utilizing patterns of bark, leaves and water in each piece. Also present in her work are unnatural elements like stamps, maps and electronic odds and ends, which meld seamlessly with the natural to create a complete piece.’’

Ashburnham is a rural/exurban town, with views of Mt. Monadnock to the north and Mt. Wachusett to the north. It’s best known for Cushing Academy, a well-regarded private boarding and day school.

Print of Ashburnham from 1886 by L.R. Burleig with list of landmarks depicted including Cushing Academy.