Peg Bothner: Maestro Moods
Peg Bothner: Maestro Moods
Tri-County Arts Council to exhibit
photo/@artscouncil
OLEAN, NY - The Tri-County Arts Council is honored to exhibit the celebrated “Maestro Moods” watercolors and charcoal sketches by the award-winning Olean artist, Peg Bothner, from April 16th-May 22nd in the gallery, 110 W. State St., Olean. An Artist Reception will be held from 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday, April 25th. For reservations please visit https://signup.com/go/OPRrdGi. Gallery hours are 12:00-6:00pm Tuesday through Friday, and 12:00-5:00pm on Saturday.
Bothner’s watercolors, mixed media, and charcoal sketches with an orchestral theme reflecting her love of music will be featured in the exhibit. As in all her many portraits and watercolors of individuals, animals and dancers, her drawings of musicians abound with a lively joy and spontaneity, each revealing a unique and sophisticated style by an equally warm and lively artist.
Her art has hung in galleries and museums throughout Western New York including the Albright-Knox in Buffalo. She studied with watercolorist Robert Blair who was director of the Olean Art Association and Catherine Nelson of Alfred University. The Olean Art Association later became the Cattaraugus Arts Council and more recently has expanded to include Chautauqua and Allegany Counties as the Tri-County Arts Council.
Bothner was honored by the then-Cattaraugus County Arts Council for her community spirit which was so evidently on display as she created charcoal portraits of each resident at the Cattaraugus County nursing home over many years. This was done voluntarily, and the original portraits were provided to the residents’ families.
In 1992, she was commissioned by Cutco to draw scenes of the company’s factory and office. The project resulted in 15 charcoal, pencil and watercolor pieces which are on display in the OBDC building, 301 N. Union St., Olean.
Bothner first discovered her love for drawing at age 10 when she took her first art class from a neighborhood artist in Hartford, CT. “She would set up a still life for us each week in her living room,” she said, warmly recalling the eggplant and spotty bananas she first learned to paint.
After high school she studied with a Yale University professor from whom she developed skills in pastels and watercolors. Later, she attended the Woodstock of the Art Students League from New York City where her expertise in watercolors expanded. “It was time well spent,” she said. “Later, I simplified by going into black and white or charcoal.”
She and her late husband, Dick, a biology professor at St. Bonaventure, moved to Olean in 1958 where they raised their four children.
Reflecting on her vibrant career as an artist, which has sustained her through many of life’s hurdles and challenges, Bothner admitted, “I don’t know what I would do without it.”