February 21, 2008
Paintings and Poetry of Mercy Etta Baker 1876 - 1957
New exhibition presented by Westport Historical Society: Paintings and Poetry of Mercy Etta Baker (1876 - 1957)
For the month of March, Westport Historical Society is pleased to present an exhibition featuring the delicate watercolor paintings and reflective poetry of a little known Westport artist Mercy Etta Baker. Born in 1876, Mercy Baker grew up at Westport Point, exploring the vast holdings of her father Jehiel Baker at Horseneck. The seasonal and natural beauty of Westport’s landscape provided the inspiration for her painting and poetry. With the recent purchase of four additional watercolors by Mercy Etta Baker (funded in part by the Westport Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency), the Historical Society felt it was time to focus attention on both the paintings and poetry of this somewhat obscure artist. Her personal attachment to Westport, particularly to Horesneck, is powerfully articulated through her art which features dune and river landscapes and evocative portraits of her acquaintances. Today, her work provides a glimpse into the early 20th century Westport and environs. Also on display will be reproductions of her work held by the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Exhibition located at the Bell School, 25 Drift Road, Head of Westport
Open Mondays and Wednesdays 10AM – 4 PM, Saturdays 1 PM - 4 PM, Saturday, March 1st through March 31st, 2008
Free to all.