Swampscott Arts Association Hosts Vibrant Fall Exhibition at Senior Center

Art work is on display at the Senior Center || Monica Sager

The Swampscott Arts Association hosted a meet-and-greet with featured artists from the Senior Center exhibit on Monday, September 15.

“We’re a Swampscott fixture,” said Board Member Susan Burgess. “We want to share.”

The Fall 2025 Members Exhibition is on display throughout the hallways of the Senior Center, featuring a range of artwork from photographs to painted portraits and still lifes. All pieces are for sale, with prices set by the artists. Marc Maccini, who is also a part of the exhibit, played music throughout the event.

Marc Maccini plays piano at the event || Monica Sager

Burgess said she appreciates how the artwork is arranged, noting that the pieces “have something to say to each other.”

“It’s like they have a little conversation,” Burgess said.

The exhibit features:

Sheila Farren Billings
Andrae Bunde
Susan Burgess
Lola Chaisson
Larry Dunn
Glenn Engman
Paula Engman
Katie Farrell
Peggy Farrell
Janet Juel Cook
Theresa Curtis
Peggy Farrell
Karen Hosking
D. L. Kaulbach
Adele Kalogeris
Martin Levine
Marc Maccini
Barbara Naeser
Ruth Rooks

Burgess contributed several new coastal scenes to the exhibit.

“I paint en plein air. I’ve been doing it since 1966,” Burgess said. “I love nature. I can’t help but save a view. That’s particularly appealing and hard to find nowadays.”

Fellow artist Paula Engman also emphasized the importance of art. Two of her portraits are included in the exhibit.

Paula Engman’s portraits || Monica Sager

“It’s what I live for,” Engman said. “There’s nothing better. When I die I hope a paint brush is in my hand.”

Photographer Glenn Engman’s work is also on display. One of his photo, a car paused on the road beside a tree, with dark storm clouds gathering above, recently earned an honorable mention at a Marblehead art show.

Glenn Engman stands with his artwork || Monica Sager

Martin Levine also took a photo. His piece is in black and white, and he said he chose an older looking frame to fit the piece better. Levine photographed Sturbridge Village and people wearing colonial clothing.

Martin Levine stands with his photograph on display || Monica Sager

“It runs the gamut. Everyone can be a part of it,” former President Ruth Rooks said. “We’re probably the only ones that’s non jury. Anyone can be a part of us.”

The Swampscott Arts Association was founded in the 1940s at the Swampscott Public Library. By 1969, it had grown to more than 60 members, with artwork sold and annual scholarships awarded to Swampscott High School students.